The Vineyard Workers

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

ST. PITA TOROT SPIRITUAL GROUP

ST. AUGUSTINE CHAPLAINCY - UNITECH

Written by: Jerrylyne Dau

ST. AUGUSTINE RECEIVES THE RELIC OF ST. PITA TOROT - 20TH SEPTEMBER 2026

St. Augustine Chaplaincy received the relic of St. Pita Torot today, 20th September 2026. Students, staff and the community gathered to welcome the relic into their chapel.

The relic was brought in, in a procession by the faithful of St. Sebastian Catholic Community, East Taraka. The day began with Sunday Eucharistic Mass. The main celebrant was Fr. Andre Mali SDV, and the Tolai Community Choir led the liturgical mass.
After Mass, the procession began. It had five prayer stop-overs where intentions were shared, asking for the intercession of St. Pita Torot.
The stations were: Station 1 - Semi Corner, Station 2 - Waterboard Junction, Station 3 - Police Barracks, Station 4 - Unigate, and Station 5 - ATCDI Junction. The procession ended at the main St. Augustine Chapel Gate.
At each station, the priest venerated the relic with incense to lifted the prayers to God. Fairly all parishioners of Lae Catholic Diocese and people of goodwill took part.

In his sermon at Saint Sebastian, Fr. Andre said, “God’s thoughts and wisdom are far greater than ours. His ways are righteous. God sees everything.”
He shared the Gospel story of the workers in the vineyard. He said, “God is the owner of the vineyard. He calls workers at different days, times and hours. But he pays everyone the same. The early workers questioned this.”
He continued, “In this story, Jesus tells us about the grace of God. The Father does not say it is wrong to pay the same amount. Often we ask why others receive blessings. We can come to God at different hours and times. We must work because we love God, not out of jealousy. It is time to change our hearts, for the hour is unknown. The last will be the first.” He concluded, “God sees and He gives.” He encouraged the faithful to ask God for peace in their hearts.

The relic was received by the students and was taken into the church in a procession by the Catholic College girls, then veneration followed afterwards. Parish Chaplain Fr. Ricci Podador SDV led a silent moment of prayer. Speeches concluded the day and refreshments were provided by the staff and students of the university.

Dr. Sariman acknowledged the CSA students of the University of Technology. He welcomed the Catholic faithful of Lae, the St. Pita Torot groups, and all people of goodwill to St. Augustine.
He said, “This relic visitation from parish to parish prepares us Catholics for our duty to God. St. Pita Torot represents us in the South Pacific.” He added, “The relic here in St. Augustine is a big challenge. It calls us to pick up what is important. I encourage students to spend time to make a difference in our community.”

Pius Lapio, Chairman of St. Sebastian Sub-Parish, East Taraka, also thanked the university students and the East Taraka community for their support, prayers and commitment. He spoke about the portrait of St. Augustine, the saint who gives knowledge to students.

He encouraged the faithful, saying, “Look to the relic of St. Pita Torot as a vessel who brought the anointing and full favour of God to us. Hebrews 11:1 — faith is what we hope for.” He concluded, “Faith in Christ does not separate us.”

Mr. Pius Vatabu, Chairman for St. Pita Torot, Lae Catholic Diocese, thanked the faithful. He said, “This saint is your very own PNG Saint. Spend this week with him. Bring all your worries and troubles to him. Ask for his intercession.”

Fr. Ricci Podador SDV, Chaplain of St. Augustine Unitech, gave the closing remarks. He challenged the faithful of St. Sebastian, saying, “I hope these four weeks have given you something so you can give back to God, following the footsteps of St. Pita Torot.”
To all the Catholic faithful of Lae, he said, “We must defend our Catholic faith. We must live it and practice it.” He thanked the students and staff of the University of Technology and all the faithful and people of goodwill for their time, talent and dedication in this relic procession.

26/09/2026

ST. PITA TOROT SPIRITUAL GROUP
ST. SEBASTIAN SUB-PARISH: EAST TARAKA

Written by: Jerrylyne Dau

CLOSING MASS FOR RELIC VISITATION AT ST. SEBASTIAN

The relic of St. Pita Torot was received by St. Sebastian Sub-Parish from St. Francis of Assisi Parish on the 23rd August 2026, with the parish theme: "The People Journeying Together in Faith with Saint Pita Torot to Strengthen Our Parish to Love God Selflessly," the community completed a 28 days of prayer, sacrifice, penance and commitment over the four weeks.The program started with St. Michael (Sect A) & St. Cecilia BCC (Police Barracks), followed by St. Joseph (Igam Blocks) & St. Anthony BCC (Stone Gate), then St. Pita Torot (Last Mission) and St. Sebastian BCC (Highlands). The final week concluded with a 9-day Novena attended by all BCCs.On Saturday, 19th September, the faithful of St. Sebastian celebrated the Closing Mass for the relic visitation at 7:00 pm with a small thanksgiving kaikai. The Mass was presided over by the Parish Priest, Fr. Andre Mali SDV, and the liturgy was led by the youths.

Fr. Andre greeted the faithful and began his sermon on the Parable of the Sower. He said, “The relic of St. Pita ToRot has stayed for one month with you. If you believe that he stayed with you for one month, you will receive your blessings. Believe! There may be many testimonies shared, but with one hope we receive blessings in our families, BCCs and parish.” He continued, “We have to ask ourselves every day: which soil am I? The same seed was sown but our hearts are different. We must ask Jesus every day to prepare our hearts to nurture the seed planted within — the seed of martyrs, the seed of forgiveness, the seed of truth. We must listen to the Word of God and practice it. Faith comes with action and is an everyday thing.” He added, “Change does not happen in a day, but takes time. Each day we practice and proclaim our faith, we produce the best fruit of our daily life.” He concluded, “Even though St. Pita Torot will leave us for St. Augustine, may his spirit live with us every day as we follow in his footsteps.”

Zachary Horombung, Vice-Chairman for St. Pita Torot, Lae Catholic Diocese, thanked the community of East Taraka and encouraged them to spread the devotion. He challenged the faithful to work together in unity, saying, “St. Pita Torot is our ambassador in heaven. In the life after death, on our behalf St. Pita Torot will say, ‘I am here, come my friend.’”

During the small feast, Margret Eko reminded the faithful, “To be a saint; requires a long journey and process, but I would like to remind us that saints met all the requirements and were therefore declared. If you still have doubts in your hearts about Saint Peter Torot, remember the miracles that proved the intercession of St. Pita Torot for him to be declared a saint. So hold on to our very own saint as Catholic believers.” Fr. Andre said, “It is our culture to say goodbye and thank you to a friend with a meal as he leaves us. So today we gather to say thank you to God for giving us St. Pita Torot to stay at our parish, St. Sebastian. With good hearts and one heart, we must always remember God.”

10/09/2026

Blessed afternoon.

30/07/2026

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI - WEST TARAKA
ST PITA TOROT

BY JERRYLYNNE DAU

The St Francis of Assisi Parish of West Taraka community welcomed the relic of St Pita Torot today, 26th July 2026. St Francis Catholic Church has sister organizations: St Francis Technical Vocational School and St Pita Torot Primary School. The primary school had its first intake this year, 2026, the same year Peter Torot was canonized a Saint.

A beautiful welcome ceremony in the Highlands way, involving the 3 communities — parishioners, Tech students, and primary students — greeted the Catholic faithful as they brought the relic into the church to spend 4 weeks with them.

Speaking on behalf of St Zachaeus Chaplaincy, Buimo, Mrs Roseline thanked St Pita Torot, our Saint, the community, the prisoners, and the parishes who took time to be with them.
“St Pita Torot slept in our house, not in the church. He strengthens us in our journey of faith in good and bad times,” she said. She further encouraged the receiving parish to bring their personal intentions to St Pita Torot.

The Chairlady of St Francis shared St Pita Torot’s final message before his death, when he told his family, “Don’t cry, but pray for me.” Similarly, we must not be sad, but be happy, for the Kingdom of God is yours.

“The most important person is here. Morobe is privileged to have a school named after our first Saint. This school aims to promote the Saint in Morobe, since his last title as ‘Blessed’,” said the Headmaster of St Pita Torot Primary.

The Principal of St Francis Tech challenged the Catholic faithful to reflect on their lives: What does this Saint mean to us? Where am I? How is my family? What will I become? These are questions that deeply ask us: Are we truly living like Peter Torot?
As he stated, “Who is Peter Torot? What kind of a person is he? I am really troubled to be standing in the presence of St Pita Torot. There is more to us.”

The new Parish Priest for East and West Taraka, Fr Andre Mali SDV, concluded by saying, “Let this visit ignite in our hearts the true spirit of loving God faithfully.

05/07/2026

Buimo – St. Zacheus Community Welcomes the Relic of Saint Peter (Pita) ToRot

By TVW Correspondents

Catholic prisoners at Buimo Correctional Institution, along with correctional officers and parishioners, welcomed the relic of Saint Peter (Pita) ToRot after it spent one month at St. Therese Parish.

The faithful of the Pita ToRot Devotion in the Lae Diocese led the procession, joined by people of goodwill. Their first stop was St. Zacheus Chapel, before moving on to Limki Malabu Estate — the home of Mr. Zachary Horombung, who serves as Chairman of St. Zacheus and Vice Chairman of the Pita ToRot Devotion in the Lae Diocese. The relic will continue its visitation there.

Fr. Wilfred, Spiritual Director and Chaplain, encouraged the faithful to take up the devotion with sincere hearts and honest intentions. The devotion, he said, is lived out through prayer and witness — praying the Novena and the Rosary, singing hymns, sharing testimonies, encouraging one another, and joining other spiritual activities that spread devotion to Saint Peter ToRot.

The Chairman of St. Therese Parish offered a reflection that stayed with those present. He recalled the welcome message delivered by one of the correctional officers: "This person, are you not tired of being in the cell, and now you have returned?" Those words carried a deeper meaning. Saint Peter ToRot himself was once imprisoned for his faith. His return through the relic invites the faithful — especially those behind bars — to bring their prayers, struggles, and hopes to him, trusting in his intercession.

Mr. Pias Vatabu, Chairman of the Pita ToRot Devotion, reminded those gathered that genuine faith is what unlocks the fruits of prayer and the intercession of Blessed Peter ToRot. He urged them to remain steadfast, pointing out that Saint Peter ToRot was an ordinary man who lived a holy life through his unwavering trust in God.

Fr. Alexander (who comes from Kenya and a missionary to Papua New Guinea) spoke too, saying the weeks of accompanying the relic on its journey had been a personal blessing. The experience, he added, had even sharpened his Tok Pisin as he traveled alongside the faithful across the diocese.

The visitation of the relic of Saint Peter ToRot continues — and with it, the hope that it will strengthen the faith of all who encounter it, inspiring lives of prayer, courage, and faithful witness to Christ.

04/07/2026

Youths of Lae Diocese Celebrate Patron Saint with Inspiring Talks

4th of July 2026
By TVW MEDIA

The Lae Diocese Youths gathered in a vibrant display of faith and camaraderie on July 3 and 4, 2026, to commemorate the Patron Saint of Youths of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, -Saint Maria Goretti - at Saint Patrick Parish in Tent City. This significant event brought together representatives from 15 parishes from within the Diocese of Lae.

The evening of July 3 featured a series of enlightening talks delivered by a roster of esteemed speakers, each addressing vital topics relevant to the youth. Sister Knowledge Ndlovu, from the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, captivated the audience with her insights on self-respect and the vulnerabilities often faced by teenagers. Her message highlighted the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in today’s challenging environment.

Following Sister Ndlovu, James Turbarat Laho, the Momase Youth Coordinator, took the stage to discuss critical social issues, particularly focusing on social addictions and the responsible use of technology. His presentation resonated with many attendees, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to smartphones and social media, which are integral parts of their daily lives.

The night concluded with an inspiring talk by Father Wilfred Salhun from the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill. He shared the journey of Saint Peter ToRot, a revered figure known for his deep commitment to prayer and the liturgical life, inspiring the youth to cultivate their spiritual lives in a modern context.

The Lae Diocese Youths’ commemoration of their Patron Saint was not just a gathering; it was a call to action for the youth to engage actively in their faith, reflect on their challenges, and learn from historical role models.

This event exemplifies the continued commitment of the Church in fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual identity among young people in the region, encouraging them to navigate the complexities of modern life with faith and integrity.

25/06/2026

As we are nearing the celebration of the first anniversary of our very own saint, we ask ourselves again who is Santu Pita ToRot? Most of us Papua New Guineans and especially the younger generation do not know yet the life of this humble servant of God. Here is a music video titled, 'GUTPELA WOKMAN BILONG GOD' that can shed some light.

18/06/2026

St. Therese Parish Welcomes the Relics of St. Peter ToRot

By TVW Correspondents

KAMKUMUNG, LAE – On Corpus Christi Sunday, the relic of St. Peter ToRot was transferred from St. Michael’s Parish in Eriku to St. Therese Parish in Kamkumung. This event marked a significant moment, making it the fifth parish in the Diocese of Lae to host the sacred relic. The procession - in itself - celebrated four weeks of prayer and reflection at St. Michael’s parish, drawing parishioners, clergy, and devoted followers who accompanied the relic with prayers and songs, honoring the life of Papua New Guinea’s first saint.

On the same note, on a Tuesday evening, the To Rot Diocesan Team had a chance to be with the parishioners of Saint Therese and to make awareness about the devotion to Papua New Guinea's first Saint. They organized a novena and a session to raise awareness about the saint’s life and legacy. This gathering offered parishioners a chance to deepen their connection to St. Peter ToRot through prayer, reflections, and personal testimonies of faith. Many attendees shared stories of how the saint had interceded for them, inspiring a renewed commitment to their faith.

The novena was led by the St. Cecilia Basic Christian Community. During the awareness session, Diocesan Team Vice President Zechariah highlighted St. Peter ToRot’s role as a catechist, devoted husband, and loving father. He encouraged attendees to stay true to their faith and to emulate the saint's dedication and service to God.

James Laho, a member of the Diocesan Team, spoke about St. ToRot’s commitment to the Holy Mass and the Blessed Sacrament. He underlined the significance of active participation in the Church’s sacramental life, reminding the faithful that these sacraments serve as sources of spiritual strength and growth.

Fr. Wilfred Salhun, Chaplain of the St. Peter ToRot Diocesan Devotional Group, concluded the session by urging parishioners to deepen their devotion to the saint and to routinely seek his intercession. He encouraged them to remain engaged with the novena prayers and to invite others, particularly those who have drifted from the Church, to participate in these spiritual activities. Fr. Salhun reminded the congregation that St. Peter ToRot is among the communion of saints, continually inspiring through his example of faith, sacrifice, and service.

As the evening wrapped up, parishioners of St. Therese Parish left with a strengthened sense of faith and devotion, eager to continue their spiritual journey with St. Peter ToRot. They look to his example for guidance and seek his intercession for their families, communities, and the nation.

05/06/2026

Youths from Lae Diocese come together to promote vocations and celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi.

By TVW Correspondents

Eriku, Lae – Young Catholic youths from various parishes across the Lae Diocese gathered at the Diocesan Hall, located at St Mary’s Primary School in Eriku, from 29–30 May for the Youth Vocation Promotion and Corpus Christi Program. The event brought together young people to deepen their faith, learn about the different vocations within the Catholic Church, and reflect on God’s call in their lives. Through prayer, presentations, discussions, and fellowship activities, participants were encouraged to strengthen their commitment to serving God and their communities.

The program commenced on Friday with the Corpus Christi celebration, commemorating the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. During the celebration, the Blessed Sacrament was placed in a monstrance and carried in a solemn procession through the streets of Eriku. The procession began at St Michael’s Parish, passed through surrounding areas, and concluded at the parish grounds, where participants gathered in prayer and worship. The celebration provided a meaningful spiritual foundation for the vocation promotion activities that followed.

Following the Corpus Christi procession, participants retired for the evening and returned on Saturday for the main Vocation Promotion Program. The day began with a presentation on the Priesthood by Fr Roland Matoyi, followed by an icebreaker session conducted
by the Island Deanery. The second presentation on Married Life was delivered by Couples for Christ, while the third session on Consecrated Life was facilitated by Sr Mildred and members of the Formators Workshop. After another interactive session led by St Augustine Chaplaincy, participants attended the final presentation on Single Committed Life by Noel Apul. The afternoon program included a vocational promotion talk show featuring representatives from various religious congregations, allowing youths to engage directly with individuals living different vocations within the Church.

Speaking on the vocation of the Priesthood, Fr Roland Matoyi described priesthood as one of the greatest callings to religious life. Sharing his own vocation journey, he reminded participants that every person is called by God for a purpose and that life’s experiences often form part of the discernment process through which God reveals His plan. Fr Roland also explained the various expressions of religious life, including missionary, contemplative, and monastic communities. Encouraging the youths to place their trust in God, he urged them not to fear the future but to remain open to God’s call. He concluded by emphasizing that a priest becomes a father to many while remaining a son within the family of the Church.

The presentation on Married Life, delivered by Couples for Christ (CFC), emphasized that marriage is a sacred vocation and a lifelong commitment established by God. The speakers encouraged participants to approach marriage prayerfully and responsibly,
reminding them that every vocation forms part of God’s plan. Drawing from their own experiences, they highlighted the importance of love, trust, respect, commitment, and prayer as the foundations of a successful marriage. Participants were encouraged to choose life partners based on faith, character, and values rather than outward appearances. The session concluded with a powerful reminder that Christ must remain at the center of every family and that prayer is essential for building strong and lasting marriages.

The third presentation on Consecrated Life was delivered by Sr Mildred, who spoke about the beauty of community life and the values of forgiveness, understanding, obedience, and mutual love that sustain religious communities. Reflecting on Acts 2:44–47, she explained how the life of the early Christian community continues to inspire religious life today. Sr Hilda, a Dominican Missionary Sister, further explained that through Baptism all Christians share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king and are called to be witnesses of God’s love in the world. She highlighted the role of prayer as the foundation of consecrated life and shared how religious sisters serve through education, evangelization, care for children with special needs, orphanages, and various pastoral ministries.

The final presentation was delivered by Noel Apul, who spoke on the vocation of Single Committed Life, a calling that is often less understood within Papua New Guinea. He explained that vocations include priesthood, religious life, marriage, and single
committed life, all of which are paths leading people closer to God. Noel described single committed individuals as lay men and women who freely dedicate themselves to God’s service while remaining unmarried. He emphasized that every vocation involves a call from God, a mission, sacrifice, and prayer. He also highlighted the valuable contributions of single committed individuals who serve voluntarily in parishes and communities through ministries such as sacramental preparation, parish animation, Basic Christian Communities (BCCs), and outreach to marginalized groups. He concluded by describing the vocation as “a call within a call” for those who feel drawn to dedicate their lives fully to God and His people.

The event drew an estimated 220 to 260 participants, including youth representatives from various parishes throughout the Lae Diocese, clergy, religious sisters, volunteers, and guests. The strong turnout reflected the growing desire among young Catholics to explore their vocation and strengthen their faith through formation and fellowship.

The Youth Vocation Promotion and Corpus Christi Program was made possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors, benefactors, and parish communities. Special acknowledgment was extended to Sir Ian Chow of Lae Biscuit Company, Sir Adrian Chow of Prima Smallgoods, Pelgens, Papindo, Frabelle Company, Tita Carmela, Jun Barba and Couples for Christ, Tita Delma Dumas, Tita Carmelita Amoguis Bagamano, Christ the King Parish, St Francis
Parish West Taraka, and St Therese Parish. Their contributions greatly assisted in providing meals, logistics, and other resources necessary for the successful hosting of the event.

The program concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes, SMM, Bishop of the Lae Diocese. In bringing the gathering to a close, Bishop Rozario encouraged the young people to continue discerning God’s call in their lives and to remain active in the mission of the Church. Following the Mass and closing remarks, participants departed inspired and renewed in their commitment to faith, service, and vocation.