Faithful unite in prayer ahead of Peter Torot’s Canonization tonight
In the lead-up to the canonization of Blessed Peter Torot as Saint Peter Torot at around 6 pm this evening [PNG time], Catholic parishioners gathered at St. Joseph Parish to mark World Mission Sunday in honor of the soon-to-be saint.
Blessed Peter Torot was a husband, father, and humble catechist who lived an ordinary life deeply rooted in faith. He defended the sanctity of marriage and died for the truth, reminding us that holiness is possible through steadfast faith.
Basic Christian Community [BCC] Coordinator Barbara Warbua said today’s Sunday Mass was a memorable one, as parishioners of St. Joseph truly embraced the meaning of the celebration.”
"For years, people have been praying that our Blessed Peter ToRot be canonized, and now that it has come true, it is an answer to all our prayers, all the hard work, and all the effort by all the Catholic faithful.
She added that although parishioners could not join the rest of the world in Rome, the celebration in Papua New Guinea was just as meaningful, as Blessed Peter Torot is one of their own, a fellow countryman.
"Blessed Peter ToRot is the first Papua New Guinean and Melanesian to be canonized to Sainthood, and for that we are proud," she said.
St. Joseph's Liturgy Committee, Fidelis Arran said not all Catholics, but Papua New Guinea citizens have a reason to celebrate this evening, as we will have our own Saint from the country.
"We are happy to rejoice and give thanks to God for this great occasion in the Sainthood of Blessed Peter Torot. He will no longer be called a 'Blessed' but celebrated to a 'Saint'," he said.
Arran also said, through his blessing, the people in this country will be united.
"Blessed Peter ToRot died for family unity, and this must be a lesson for our country leaders to have one wife to be a good leader and represent people in their electorate," he said.
Aaran said ToRot stood by the Lord's Commandment and promised to have one wife and die for the Lord rather than give up his faith.
"Papua New Guinea leaders must also reflect and really take up this challenge on how they will move this country forward especially with so many marriage problems," he said.
Aaran urged all the people in this country to be united as a family so the country can be united.
"If we are united, we will achieve what the Lord wants from us and that is to sacrifice ourselves for God and not for others," he said.
As we journey through in this pilgrim, how do we see our souls when we die, we want our souls with God or with the evil one?
Mary Pamono from Komo Mandi in the Hela province said as a Christian and a parishioner in the St. Joseph's parish, she is overjoyed and happy to be part of the canonization celebrations.
"I could not hold back my tears of joy when I heard that my own country would have a Saint, this is something that all Papua New Guineans must look forward and be happy with," she said.
