Who was San Lorenzo Ruiz?
San Lorenzo Ruiz was a Filipino saint and martyr who lived during the 17th century. He is recognized as the first Filipino saint and a symbol of faith and courage.
San Lorenzo Ruiz was born around the year 1600 and raised in Binondo, Manila, in the Philippines. He was an altar server as a boy as well as a skilled calligrapher. He was the son of a Chinese father and a Filipino mother and was known for his dedication to his Catholic faith.
He married a woman named Rosario with whom he had three children; two sons and one daughter. Unfortunately, in 1963, Lorenzo was wrongfully accused of murder, with false allegations of having killed someone. Fearing for his life, he ran away and found refuge onboard a ship which was transporting three Dominican priests to Japan.
Upon their arrival, the mission was met with hostility and the missionaries were forced to practice their faith in secret. Despite the risks, San Lorenzo Ruiz remained persistent in his commitment to Christ.
Eventually, the missionaries were discovered and arrested. San Lorenzo Ruiz, along with his companions, endured harsh torture as they denied to renounce their faith. Despite the suffering, they remained persistent, believing in the power of Christ now, more than ever. This passion and their firm beliefs infuriated the authorities even more, which led to Lorenzo’s two-year imprisonment.
His strong faith and refusal to renounce his Catholicism, ultimately resulted in his death, as he was beaten and executed. Later, his death became a symbol of strength and resilience for the Filipino people, leading to his beatification in 1981 by St. Pope John Paul II.
San Lorenzo Ruiz’s life and sacrifice inspire us to hold firm to our faith even in the face of adversity. He is considered a patron saint of the Philippines, Filipinos abroad and persecuted Christians. His example teaches us the importance of standing up for our beliefs and remaining faithful, even in challenging times.