The Path to the Altars
Life & Cause of Saint Peter To Rot
Life
Peter To Rot is born in Rakunai.
Marriage with Paula Ia Varpit (November 11).
Martyrdom (July 7).
Towards Beatification
January 11 — Archbishop Scharmach, MSC, observing the fame of martyrdom of Peter To Rot and the increasing devotion, decides to initiate the preliminary investigation that would eventually culminate in canonization. Shortly thereafter, due to problems related to To Rot’s relatives, the work is abandoned.
June 18 — Archbishop Bundervoet, MSC, noting that the fame of martyrdom and the devotion persisted, decides to restart everything and establishes a special committee to advance the Cause.
January 13 — Archbishop Bundervoet, MSC, officially opens the Cause.
January 23 — The Positio on the martyrdom of the Servant of God is officially presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
June 26 — A special committee of eight theologians meet and issue the Relatio et Vota, their assessment of the theological merit of the Cause. All eight are very positive and favourable.
April 2 — The Decree recognizing the martyrdom of Peter To Rot is signed in the presence of Pope John Paul II. He becomes Venerable Peter To Rot and his beatification is now assured.
January 17 — Pope John Paul II officiates at the beatification ceremony in Port Moresby, and the same day issues the Apostolic Letter on the beatification of Peter To Rot.
Towards Canonization
25th anniversary of To Rot’s beatification and 75th anniversary of his martyrdom. The Catholic Bishops of PNG and SI decide to find out the state of the Cause and work on it.
April — Special Iter granted by Pope Francis, dispensing from the proof of the miracle. The Dicastery asks us to create a team according to their guidelines.
November — The Positio Super Canonizatione is submitted.
March 31 — The promulgation of the Decree is officially published by the Holy See.
June 13 — During the Ordinary Public Consistory, Pope Leo XIV announces the date of the canonization: October 19, 2025.
October 19 — Pope Leo XIV presides over the solemn canonization, elevating Peter to the honor of the altars.
