Seven Salesian priests residing in Port Moresby, joined the concelebration. They implored the blessings of this first Melanesian saint, for peace and family values in their parishes and institutions.  Saint Peter ToRot was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on October 19, 2025, in St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a Catholic Expo that gave an opportunity for the different congregations and ministries of the church to share their charism, elicit a deepening of their faith and encourage vocations. Food stalls providing fresh local food, was an opportunity to support the local economy and foster community ties. The celebration was organized and coordinated by the Catholic Professionals and the Archdiocese of Port Moresby and supported by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), led by Governor Powes Parkop.

Below are highlights from the sermon of Bishop Roszyński and the thank you speech of Cardinal Ribat.

Extracts from the Sermon of Bp Roszyński

The recent canonization of Saint Peter To Rot marks a historic moment for Papua New Guinea. He is the nation's first indigenous saint. As a humble lay catechist, husband, and father of three, Peter To Rot's life stands out as a powerful testament to living one's faith with integrity in the face of extreme adversity. Martyred in 1945 by Japanese occupying forces for his unwavering commitment to Christian values, particularly his defence of the sanctity of marriage against the reintroduced practice of polygamy, his legacy has become a source of national pride and spiritual inspiration. His story, as a "home-grown" saint who exemplified holiness in everyday life, challenges every person of Papua New Guinea to embrace courage, honesty, and an authentic, lived faith that places God above all human demands, even at the cost of one's own life.

In the Jubilee year 2025, we thank God for our nation, a young country celebrating 50 years. We are truly grateful for the grace of having our own country, home to so many tribes, languages, and cultures. We pray that the Catholic Church continues to work at the foundation of nation-building through its presence and involvement.

Despite having over 800 tribes, we have been united as one nation: Papua New Guinea. We have experienced achievements and setbacks alike. From our failures, we learn, allowing us to progress further, for our country, our lives, our people, and our communities.

Today, we celebrate Saint Peter ToRot, not just a Saint for Papua New Guinea but as a saint and martyr for the entire world, the first indigenous saint of the Pacific.

During his 1995 visit, Pope John Paul II described Peter ToRot’s life as a “beacon shining bright, a signal fire leading you to hold aloft the noble ideals which inspired him: faith in God, love of family, service of neighbour, and unswerving courage in the face of trials and sacrifice".

The General Superior of the MSC Missionaries, speaking in Rome, beautifully expressed that the canonization of Peter ToRot is “a gift for the Universal Church and a sign of the mature faith of the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Today, as we celebrate the Jubilee year, fifty years of our beautiful nation, and the recognition of St. Peter ToRot, we give thanks for the gifts of God: our people, languages, cultures, and natural resources. He is a light emerging from the Pacific, inspiring us to live holy lives.

Let us pray: St Peter ToRot, pray for us and strengthen our faith. Amen.

Snippets from the thanksgiving speech of Cardinal John Ribat as he reflected on the journey of the Catholic missionaries and missions in Papua New Guinea.

“We are truly blessed,” Cardinal Ribat said. “There are many reasons for us to celebrate and give thanks to God Almighty for His many blessings.”

As of the last census, there are over two million Catholic faithful in the country. The Catholic Church has grown from a missionary church to a local church, particularly in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, which have been recognized by the Universal Church, first with the appointment of a cardinal in 2016 and, most recently, with the canonization of St Peter ToRot on October 19, 2025

He recounted the work of the earliest Catholic missionaries who went to East New Britain, emphasizing their struggles and zeal in establishing development training centers, hostels, schools, and hospitals throughout the area. Among the earliest missionary groups were the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), the Society of Mary (Marists), and the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). By the end of the 19th century, the Catholic Church had established four major mission centers, in East New Britain, Yule Island in the Papuan Region, the Northeast Coast, and Bougainville.

Cardinal Ribat also presented statistics on religious vocations in Papua New Guinea and acknowledged their contributions to the nation’s social and developmental progress. He noted, “The recent visit of the late Pope Francis served as a catalyst for renewed pastoral efforts, and the canonization of St. Peter ToRot this October offers us an opportunity to renew our appreciation for the vital contribution of the laity in the Church.”

Hon Powes Parkop, Governor of Port Moresby, appreciated the work of the Catholic Church and thanked the church for the service and contribution made to the country. He recalled his interaction with the different congregations and mentioned them by name for their charism and specific contribution as they minister to the young, the needy and disadvantaged in this much needed area of health and education.

The Thanksgiving Mass was not only a celebration of the canonization of St Peter ToRot, but also an occasion for the entire nation to give thanks to God for the milestone of 50 years of nationhood.

Lucy Napitalai and Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb

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