Peter To Rot was born in 1912 in the small village of Rakunai, Papua New Guinea, a land surrounded by tropical forests, volcanoes and islands. He was the son of Angelo Tu Puia, the village chief, and Maria La Tumul, both of whom were among the first converts to Catholicism thanks to the missionary work of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. His deeply Christian family raised their children with prayer, simplicity and zeal.
From childhood, Peter was known for his calm, generous and attentive nature. He happily participated in Church activities, accompanied his father to community meetings and showed a willingness to learn. Educated in local Catholic schools, Peter stood out not only for his good performance but also for his humility: even though he was the chief’s son, he never boasted about his origins. He had a quiet and steadfast personality.
At the age of 18, he entered the school for catechists, which operated with the direct support of the MSCs. There, he received solid theological and pastoral training. One of his formators described him as “a modest and obedient young man who surpassed his colleagues in dedication and zeal.” At the age of 21, already trained, he returned to his village to begin his work as a catechist.
At the age of 22, he married Paula La Varpit. The couple had three children, the last of whom was born after Peter’s martyrdom. Their family life was exemplary: they prayed together every morning and evening, lived simply, and their home was a place of welcome for the poor and sick. Peter visited the sick, taught catechism to children, organized community prayer times and helped with liturgical celebrations. He was respected and loved by the people.
Over time, his spiritual leadership grew. He had moral authority: he spoke little, but his life spoke volumes. A missionary described him as “the soul of the community.” Peter was the kind of man who united people: young and old, men and women, all saw him as someone trustworthy and close to them.
When World War II began to affect Oceania, Peter continued his service with courage. In 1942, the Japanese invaded Papua New Guinea. Foreign missionaries were arrested, and religious activities began to be monitored. The local parish priest, Fr. Karl Laufer, MSC, was taken to the prison camp in Vunapope. Before leaving, he entrusted Peter with the spiritual responsibility of the Rakunai community.
From then on, Peter officially became responsible for the faith life of the people. He visited homes, organized Sunday prayers, catechized adults and children, prepared weddings, and accompanied the sick. He recorded everything in the parish registers. He acted with such zeal and prudence that, even under military occupation, the faith remained alive and strong in the village. Peter To Rot was, in that time of silence and fear, a burning flame in the heart of the forest.
By Fr. Fernando Clemente, MSC, Postulator General and Procurator General