Kokopo: On the morning of February 13, 2025, Kokopo witnessed a colourful and meaningful event as the Kavieng community and the Archdiocese of Rabaul came together to celebrate the traditional welcome of the image of Blessed Peter Torot.
The ceremony, which took place around 10:30 AM, marked the arrival of the sacred image from Kavieng to the shores of Kokopo, blending both cultural and religious traditions in a powerful display of faith and community spirit.
The arrival of the image was made possible by the Kavieng group and team effort, consisting of local people from Kavieng now residing in Kokopo, catechists from the Kokopo and Rabaul regions, and representatives from various institutions, convents, and LKKs from around Vunapope Parish. The group arrived in two boats, dressed in traditional attires and accompanied by the sounds of kundu drums and conch shells.
The event was organized through close coordination between the Kavieng community and the Centenary Committees of the Archdiocese of Rabaul (AOR). The successful collaboration ensured that the ceremony was carried out with meaning, showing the strong bond between the religious and cultural aspects of the region.
Around 300 people participated in the celebration, including catechists who had gathered from the three deaneries of Pomio, Rabaul, and Kokopo. The attendees were welcomed to Kokopo for a day filled with cultural and spiritual activities. The festivities began with a traditional welcome dance, followed by an opening speech that set the tone for the event.
A main highlight of the ceremony was the procession, during which the Holy Rosary was recited at various stops along the route, including the beach, the grotto, the hospital, and the hill of Kininigunan. Participants made their way up the hill, reflecting and praying along the way, as the procession symbolized a journey of faith and devotion. The final ceremony at the top of Kininigunan Hill marked the climax of the day’s activities.
The stunning natural surroundings added to the spiritual atmosphere, making the event both a cultural celebration and a religious experience.
This traditional welcome of the statue of St. Peter Torot highlighted the enduring traditions of the Kavieng and Kokopo communities, as well as the strong faith that continues to unite them. The event was a testament to the cultural heritage of the region and the powerful role of religious rituals in bringing people together across generations.
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