Books and Articles
Books
A Catechist Becomes a Martyr (1946) 
Written by Fr. Carl Laufer, MSC (parish priest of Rakunai from 1930 to 1949 and close friend of Peter To Rot), this 4-page document is the first document ever written about Peter To Rot. In simple yet moving words, it describes how To Rot courageously kept the Catholic faith alive during the Japanese occupation in World War II, continuing to baptize, celebrate marriages, and guide his people until his execution in 1945.
Too Much Christo (1950)
Written by Fr. Carl Laufer, MSC (parish priest of Rakunai from 1930 to 1949 and close friend of Peter To Rot), this 6-page article is the very first published biography of the Papuan catechist. It offers a detailed, heartfelt account of Peter To Rot’s life, his heroic leadership of the Catholic community and his martyrdom in 1945 for continuing to baptize, celebrate marriages, and defend the faith.
Rakunai Mission Station (1952)
Written by Fr. Carl Laufer, MSC (parish priest of Rakunai from 1930 to 1949 and close friend of Peter To Rot), this 5-page article provides essential historical, geographical, and cultural context for understanding Peter To Rot’s life and ministry. It describes the land, people, social customs (including marriage and family structures), and the mission history of Rakunai, highlighting To Rot’s role and the challenges faced by the Catholic community. A valuable background document that enriches the story of the martyred catechist.
You Good and Faithful Servant (1952)
Written by Fr. Carl Laufer, MSC (parish priest of Rakunai from 1930 to 1949 and close friend of Peter To Rot), this 6-page article is a detailed life sketch of the martyred Papuan catechist. It recounts To Rot’s youth, his dedicated service as a catechist, his heroic leadership during the Japanese occupation in World War II, and his martyrdom in 1945 for defending the Catholic faith and Christian marriage. A moving and inspiring biography that highlights his courage, fidelity, and holiness.
This Crowd Beats Us All (1957)
Written by Archbishop Leo Scharmach, MSC, Bishop of Rabaul, this substantial book (over 300 pages) is a vivid firsthand memoir of the Catholic mission’s experiences during the Japanese occupation of New Britain in World War II. It recounts the invasion, internment at Vunapope, daily struggles, Japanese tactics, acts of courage, and the survival of the missionaries through faith and resilience. A powerful historical account from a key witness, full of dramatic episodes and reflections on the war in the South Seas.
Laip Stori Bilong Pita To Rot (1980) 
Written by Fr. Caspar G. To Vaninara, MSC, this 13-page biography in Tok Pisin tells the inspiring life story of Peter To Rot — the dedicated Tolai catechist, parish leader, and martyr from Rakunai. It covers his youth, training, faithful service during the Japanese occupation in World War II, his courageous defence of the Catholic faith and Christian marriage, and his martyrdom in 1945.
Peter To Rot, Catechist and Martyr (1993)
Written by Fr. Caspar G. To Vaninara, MSC (a fellow Tolai priest), this 38-page booklet is a clear and heartfelt biography of Blessed Peter To Rot. It traces his life from childhood in Rakunai through his formation as a catechist, his marriage and family life, to his heroic leadership during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
Pita To Rot, Katekis na Martir (2012)
Written by Archbishop Karl Hesse, MSC, this 30-page illustrated biography in Tok Pisin presents the full life story of St Peter To Rot. It covers his formation, dedicated service as a catechist, heroic leadership during the Japanese occupation, defence of Christian marriage and the faith, his martyrdom in 1945, and the process leading to his beatification. A rich, accessible account that highlights To Rot’s example of fidelity and witness for the Church in Papua New Guinea.
Blessed Peter To Rot (2020)
Written by Fr. Tomás Ravaioli, IVE, this 222-page substantial biography offers a detailed, well-researched account of Blessed Peter To Rot’s life, on the 75th anniversary of his martyrdom and 25th of his beatification. It covers the historical and cultural background of New Britain and Tolai people; To Rot’s family upbringing, formation as a catechist, marriage and family life; His heroic leadership during the Japanese occupation in WWII; His courageous defence of Christian marriage against polygamy; His imprisonment, martyrdom in 1945, and the process leading to beatification.
Beato Peter To Rot (2022) 
Written by Fr. Tomás Ravaioli, IVE, this 264-page Spanish biography presents a complete, well-documented life of Blessed Peter To Rot — Tolai catechist, husband, father, and martyr of Papua New Guinea. Rich in historical and cultural context about the Tolai people and the evangelization of New Britain, this updated edition includes additional family stories and papal homilies. An inspiring and accessible account of lay holiness and fidelity.
Saint Peter To Rot: Husband, Father, Catechist and Martyr (2026)
Written by Fr. Tomás Ravaioli, IVE (with a foreword by John Cardinal Ribat, MSC), this comprehensive 430+ page biography is the most detailed and up-to-date account of Saint Peter To Rot — Tolai catechist, husband, father, and Papua New Guinea’s first saint, canonised on 19 October 2025. Drawing on newly discovered wartime documents, eyewitness testimonies, and family stories, this is the most comprehensive modern biography available. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this Tolai catechist, martyr, and model for lay apostles and families in Papua New Guinea and beyond.
San Peter To Rot: esposo, padre, catequista y mártir (2026)
Written by Fr. Tomás Ravaioli, IVE (with a foreword by John Cardinal Ribat, MSC), this comprehensive 430+ page biography is the most detailed and up-to-date account of Saint Peter To Rot — Tolai catechist, husband, father, and Papua New Guinea’s first saint, canonised on 19 October 2025. Drawing on newly discovered wartime documents, eyewitness testimonies, and family stories, this is the most comprehensive modern biography available. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this Tolai catechist, martyr, and model for lay apostles and families in Papua New Guinea and beyond.
Articles
Chronik Station Rakunai (1922 c.) 
Manuscript in German, only for the brave! The life of Peter To Rot is known, in part, thanks to a 174-page chronicle written by Father Emil Jakobi, MSC, parish priest of Rakunai from 1909 to 1922, with details of life in the village.
Heroic Catholic natives kept the faith (1946)
Original image. As far as we have been able to ascertain, the text we reproduce below is the first journalistic article in which Peter To Rot is mentioned, and his deep faith and heroism are exalted. It was written by Mons. Vesters, MSC, apostolic vicar emeritus of Rabaul at the time, and published in the Australian newspaper The Advocate on January 16, 1946. It is moving to read what is said about the liturgical services held on Sundays in the absence of priests.
The Catholic Weekly - Story of a native hero (1946)
Original image. The text we reproduce below is the second journalistic article in which Peter To Rot is mentioned, and his deep faith and heroism are exalted. It was written by Mons. Vesters, MSC, apostolic vicar emeritus of Rabaul at the time, and published in the Australian newspaper The Catholic Weekly.
A Martyr of the Church - Photobook of the Beatification (1995)
This book contains the most important photos of the beatification of Peter To Rot in Port Moresby, on January 17, 1995.