O, Peter To Rot, you stand as our guide,
With the light of the Gospel deep burning inside.
A catechist's strength when the shadows drew near,
Teach us to witness, and conquer all fear.
We carry your cross, we sing out your name,
To love God's truth, in the purifying flame.
Verse 1: The Call and the Training
From Rakunai soil, a good seed was sown,
Faith planted by parents, a true path was known.
You sat at the feet of the Fathers to learn,
The lessons of Christ, for which your heart did yearn.
A catechist's calling, simple and deep,
To guard the Good News while the whole village sleeps.
You took your young bride, you built up your home,
A pillar of faith where others might roam.
Verse 2: The Darkness Descends
Then war broke the peace, the clouds gathered fast,
The priests were imprisoned, their service now passed.
The sheep scattered quickly, the shepherd was gone,
But your lamp was still lit from the dusk until dawn.
You stepped to the forefront, though just a lay man,
To hold the small flock within God's loving plan.
In caves and in shadows, the Eucharist fed,
The hungry believers, the living and dead.
Chorus
O, Peter To Rot, you stand as our guide,
With the light of the Gospel deep burning inside.
A catechist's strength when the shadows drew near,
Teach us to witness, and conquer all fear.
We carry your cross, we sing out your name,
To love God's truth, in the purifying flame.
Verse 3: The Stand for the Truth
The enemy came with laws cruel and harsh,
To shatter the vows in the heart of the marsh.
They tempted the people with sins of the flesh,
But your voice rose up, strong, defiant, and fresh.
"No! Marriage is sacred! A gift of the Lord!"
You stood on the rock of God's holy word.
They hated your courage, they hated your light,
And dragged you to darkness in the cold, endless night.
Verse 4: The Martyr's Crown
In prison you prayed, knowing well the cost,
A life freely given, though nothing was lost.
For death cannot conquer the soul that is free,
Bound only by love and eternity.
The poison they gave you, it sealed your great deed,
You died for the Church, like a precious, true seed.
Now, Saint of our nation, you teach us to share,
The burden of truth, with compassion and care.
Chorus
O, Peter To Rot, you stand as our guide,
With the light of the Gospel deep burning inside.
A catechist's strength when the shadows drew near,
Teach us to witness, and conquer all fear.
We carry your cross, we sing out your name,
To love God's truth, in the purifying flame.
