Arc of Melanesia Scholarly & Academic Forum

19/10/2025

Traffic in 🇵🇬

19/10/2025

First Catholic Saint ever in Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 🕊️🙏
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F1t9KE8S2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Peter ToRot Canonized as Papua New Guinea’s First Saint

In a historic moment for the Church in Papua New Guinea, Blessed Peter ToRot was canonized today by Pope Leo XIV during a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

The ceremony, which began at 10:00 a.m. Rome time (6:00 p.m. in Papua New Guinea), drew thousands of pilgrims from around the world and marked the first time a Papua New Guinean has been officially declared a saint of the Catholic Church.

Peter ToRot, a lay catechist and martyr, gave his life in 1945 during the Japanese occupation of Papua New Guinea, standing firm in his defense of Christian marriage and moral truth. His witness of faith and courage has long been venerated in the region and is now recognized universally by the Church.
Among the many bishops and cardinals concelebrating the Mass with the Holy Father was His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby who recited the Eucharistic Prayer. His participation added a deeply personal and prayerful presence from Papua New Guinea at the altar. His role in the celebration reflected the pride and gratitude of the nation for this historic recognition.

In addition, Pope Leo XIV reflected on Jesus’ question in the Gospel of Luke, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” The Holy Father praised the seven new saints, including Peter ToRot, for their steadfast faith and courage in the face of adversity.

“These men and women kept the lamp of faith burning,” the Pope said. “They became lights in the world, spreading the love of Christ through their words and actions.”

The Pope reminded the faithful that while the world treasures material and cultural wealth, true meaning is found in faith, a faith that sustains hope and gives life its ultimate purpose. He encouraged all believers to embrace prayer as “the breath of the soul” and to remain faithful, especially in times of difficulty.

While this occasion is happening in Rome, celebrations erupted across Papua New Guinea as dioceses of PNG held Masses and gatherings in honor of our new saint. Many reflected on St. Peter ToRot’s legacy as a humble servant of the Gospel who lived and died for his faith.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands expressed joy and gratitude for the canonization and encouraged all Catholics to follow Saint Peter ToRot’s example of deep faith, courage, and devotion to Christ.

Saint Peter ToRot, pray for us and strengthen our faith.

Update from CBC Gen Sec.

13/10/2025

Watch the Group Phase game between Solomon Islands and Fiji at the FIBA Melanesian Cup. ----------------------------------------------...

13/10/2025

Fiji🇫🇯 v Solomon🇸🇧 Islands coming up later tonight 👏

It’s game day for the FIBA Melanesian Cup and FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup.

The women from PNG and VAN will be the first teams to take the court.

All events will be live-streamed for free via FIBA YouTube. All game streams can be accessed via the dedicated websites.

Men’s Competition > https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-melanesian-cup-2025
Women’s Competition > https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-melanesian-cup-2025

*all times below are local Honiara, Solomon Islands 🇸🇧

|

13/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/179gnC5o6Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Game one in the mens competition 🫡

Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea Inc defeated Vanuatu Basketball Federation

13/10/2025

PNG Basketball Women's Team
Wins one of its early Games in Honiara at Melanesia Basketball Cup 2025.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/178Vdr7Zb1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

21/04/2025

May Pope Francis Rest in Eternal Peace 🕊️ ✨ 🙏

14/04/2025

Learn some hints & get Funding Application for Cogs 🇳🇿

14/04/2025

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to get rid of WWII Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) that continue to threaten lives and properties.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services of the Solomon Islands, Ms. Karen Galokale announced this when she delivered the Solomon Islands address at a side event hosted by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining on the theme “Clearing the Past, Securing the Future – Addressing Explosive Remnants of War in the Pacific.”

Ms. Galokale highlighted the persistent threat posed by explosive remnants of war particularly UXO across the Solomon Islands — a legacy of the Second World War that continues to affect communities, infrastructure, livelihoods, and safety for more than 80 years later.

“From the capital city of Honiara to our most remote provinces, our people live each day with the burden of UXO contamination.

“Tragically, these remnants of conflict still cause injuries and fatalities — even among children — and stand in the way of our sustainable development,” Ms. Galokale said.

More ⤵
https://www.sibconline.com.sb/solomon-islands-reaffirms-commitment-to-mine-action-at-geneva-international-gathering/

Photo: Ms Karen Galokale speaking in Geneva last week

14/04/2025

Gorgeous young ones from Arc of Melanesia ✨✍️💐