Blessed Peter To Rot (Feast Day July 7)

1912-July 1945

Peter To Rot (pronounced toe rote) was born and raised in an island village in what is now Papua New Guinea. His father was the tribal chief, who converted to Catholicism when Missionaries of the Sacred Heart came to the village. Peter was a leader among his friends, a good student, and would help the older villagers by climbing coconut trees to get them coconuts. When Peter was a child, he wanted to be a priest, but his father was concerned that Peter was too young to make such a decision. Instead, he studied to become a catechist in his village. In 1936, he married his wife Paula, and the couple had three children together.

In 1942, Japan invaded the island and imprisoned all the missionary priests. Since Peter wasn't a priest, he remained free. He took on the role of spiritual guide for his village. He and his catechists baptized babies and converts, cared for the sick and the elderly, conducted Sunday prayer services, and brought the Eucharist to priests in prison. Soon the military banned Christian worship, so Peter continued his work in secret. When the military police announced that the islanders should return to polygamy, Peter openly objected. He was arrested and put in prison. Peter became a martyr for the faith after receiving a lethal injection in prison. He was beatified by Pope John Paull II in 1995.

• How does it make you feel to know that Jesus promises not to reject anyone who comes to Him?

• What do you think life will be like when Jesus raises us on the last day?

• How can we apply the message of this Gospel in our daily lives?

• Describe how Blessed Peter To Rot lived out his vocation.

Climbing Activities

Blessed Peter To Rot would climb coconut trees in his village. Here are some climbing activities for you to try today!

• Climb a tree in your backyard or neighborhood.
• Go to a playground with a climbing wall and see who can get to the top first.
• Climb on monkey bars at a local park.
• Go somewhere with lots of stairs. Count how many stairs there are as you climb.
• Go rock climbing or hiking.
• Go to an indoor rock-climbing facility.

Coconut Lime Popsicles

Blessed Peter To Rot used to gather coconuts for others; enjoy thiscoconut-inspired treat today!

1 can coconut milk
1 lime, juiced
(optional) zest from 1 lime
2 Tbsp shredded coconut
1 Tbsp sugar or another sweetener
(optional) ¼ tsp salt

Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds. Don't have one? Just fill an empty ice cube tray up about ¾ of the way. Cover the tray with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Poke a toothpick in the popsicles. Put in freezer for 4 to 6 hours and enjoy. If you cannot enjoy them all at once, pop the popsicles out of the trays and put them in an airtight container and store in the freezer.

Prayer for the Dead

In November, as a Church, we pray for those who have passed away.

Into your hands, O Lord,
we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.
In a special way we remember [name anyone who has passed away].
In this life you embraced them with your tender love;
deliver them now from every evil
and bid them eternal rest.
The old order has passed away:
welcome them into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain,
but fullness of peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
forever and ever.

Amen.

(Adapted from Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers.)

Throughout history, the church building has been understood as an image of heaven. What art or decorations do you see on the ceiling? What is the tallest (or highest) thing in your church?

Blessed Peter To Rot was obedient to both his father and his faith. This week, work on the virtue of obedience, striving to adhere to rules, practicing self-discipline, and respecting authority.

The first full week of November is National Vocation Awareness Week. Take time this week to ask God how he is calling you to serve his Church. Also, pray for those discerning the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage, or single life.