St. Lorenzo Ruiz (ca. 1600-1637)
Feast Day - September 28th
Lorenzo was born in Manila to a Chinese father and Filipino mother. An altar boy in youth, he received an education from the Dominicans. Over time, he became a professional calligrapher and member of the friars' Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. He led a happy life with his wife and three children until he was falsely accused of murder. He sought refuge with a band of priests about to set sail, only at sea to learn that the ship was bound for the persecuted Church in Japan. Arrested soon upon arrival, after two years' imprisonment the survivors of the group were taken to Nagasaki for torture until they died or recanted their faith. The final torment was to be hanged upside down over a pit, one arm left free for signaling recantation. Lorenzo accepted his end with firm faith, saying, "I am a Catholic, and I willingly and readily meet death for God. If I had a thousand lives, I would offer them all to Him." He is the first Filipino martyr and saint. Patron of the Philippines, separated families
DonorThe San Lorenzo Planning Committee In honor of |
Follow