Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (born c. 1594, died 29 September 1637) was a Filipino saint, layman, and martyr, revered as the first Filipino saint and protomartyr of the Philippines. Born in Binondo, Manila, to a Chinese father and Filipino mother, he was raised Catholic, educated by Dominicans, and joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic. Falsely accused of murder, he fled to Japan in 1636 with Dominican missionaries, where he faced persecution during the Tokugawa shogunate’s anti-Christian campaign. Tortured and executed in Nagasaki, he died professing his faith, declaring, “Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer.” Beatified on 18 February 1981 by Pope John Paul II in Manila, he was canonized on 18 October 1987 in Rome. His relics are venerated in Binondo Church, Manila, and he is honored in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.[1][2][3]
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s courage in martyrdom inspires Filipino Catholics and global devotees, symbolizing steadfast faith under persecution. His canonization miracle, the healing of a girl with hydrocephaly, solidified his sainthood. Celebrated on his feast day, 28 September, he is the patron saint of Filipino youth, the Philippines, overseas workers, and altar servers. His legacy thrives in the Archdiocese of Manila, with his shrine in Binondo drawing pilgrims and his story uplifting diaspora communities.[4][5]
Stored in Cargo: Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
| Saint Lorenzo Ruiz | |
| Feast Day | September 28 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Filipino youth; Philippines; Overseas workers; Altar servers |
| Birthplace | Binondo, Manila, Philippines |
| Death Place | Nagasaki, Japan |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom by torture |
| Primary Shrine | Binondo Church, Manila, Philippines |
Biography
Birth
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was born around 1594 in Binondo, Manila, Philippines, to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both Catholics.[1] Raised in the Archdiocese of Manila, he was baptized and educated by Dominican friars, shaping his devout faith. Birth dates vary (1594 per web:5; c. 1600 per web:2, 6, 9; post:0, 6), but c. 1594 aligns with martyrdom age (c. 43) and Vatican sources.[2][6]
Binondo, a vibrant Chinese-Filipino enclave, fostered his bilingual (Tagalog, Chinese) and cultural identity. His parents’ faith and Dominican influence set the foundation for his spiritual life.[7]
Early Life
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s early life in Binondo was marked by Catholic devotion and service.[1] He served as an altar boy and clerk for the Dominicans, mastering calligraphy and assisting in parish records. Joining the Third Order of Saint Dominic, he lived as a layman, marrying a Filipino woman and fathering three children.
Falsely accused of murdering a Spaniard in 1636, he sought refuge with Dominican missionaries, fleeing to Japan. His early life of faith prepared him for the trials ahead.[2][8]
Occupation
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s primary occupation was as a lay clerk and Dominican tertiary in Manila.[1] Working for the Dominicans, he handled administrative tasks, leveraging his calligraphy skills. As a Third Order member, he engaged in prayer, charity, and evangelization, supporting the Church’s mission in Binondo.
In Japan, he assisted Dominican missionaries, sharing the Gospel despite persecution. His occupation culminated in martyrdom, dying for his faith in Nagasaki.[7][3]
Vocation
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s religious vocation was rooted in his lay Dominican calling to live out Catholic faith.[2] As a Third Order member, he embraced Dominican spirituality, focusing on prayer, penance, and service. His commitment shone in Japan, where he refused to renounce Christianity despite torture, famously declaring, “I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God” (post:0, 5, 6).[9][10]
His vocation as a layman and martyr inspired Filipino Catholics, showing holiness is attainable outside religious orders. His sacrifice solidified his legacy as a witness to Christ.[4][11]
Death
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz died on 29 September 1637 in Nagasaki, Japan, through martyrdom by torture at age c. 43.[1] Arrested with Dominican companions during Japan’s anti-Christian persecution, he endured brutal torture, including suspension in a pit (tsurushi). Refusing to apostatize, he died professing his faith. Some sources cite 30 September (web:2), but 29 September is standard per Vatican accounts.[2]
His relics are enshrined at Binondo Church, Manila, a pilgrimage site. His martyrdom galvanized devotion in the Archdiocese of Manila, marking him as the Philippines’ protomartyr.[3][8]
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Binondo, Manila, Philippines
Death location: Nagasaki, Japan
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Saint Lorenzo Ruiz as a Servant of God began in the Archdiocese of Manila in the 1970s, reflecting his martyrdom’s impact.[1] The cause gathered testimonies of his faith and death, supported by Filipino Catholics and Dominicans.
Venerable
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was declared Venerable on 28 January 1978 by Pope Paul VI, recognizing his heroic virtue.[2] The Congregation for the Causes of Saints affirmed his martyrdom and lay devotion, advancing his cause.[3]
Beatification
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was beatified on 18 February 1981 by Pope John Paul II in Manila, the first beatification outside Rome, due to his martyrdom.[3] No miracle was required, as his death for faith sufficed for beatification.[7]
Canonization
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was canonized on 18 October 1987 by Pope John Paul II in Rome, following the confirmation of a miracle: the healing of a two-year-old girl with hydrocephaly in 1983, attributed to his intercession.[12][5] His martyrdom dispensed the need for a second miracle.[11] Claims of 1983 canonization (post:1, 2, 7) are erroneous, as 1987 is verified.[5]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No miracle was required for Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s beatification, as his martyrdom in 1637 qualified him per Church norms.[7] His steadfast faith under torture was deemed sufficient by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Miracle for canonization
The miracle for Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s canonization involved the healing of a two-year-old Filipino girl with hydrocephaly in 1983.[5] After prayers invoking Ruiz’s intercession, she recovered fully, a cure deemed inexplicable by medical experts. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints verified the miracle, supporting his canonization in 1987.
This miracle strengthened devotion in the Philippines, particularly in Binondo. The healing’s documentation met the Church’s rigorous standards.[12]
Other notable miracles
- No additional miracles are specifically attributed to Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in official records, though devotees report spiritual favors, particularly among overseas workers (post:5).[10]
Patronage
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is the patron saint of Filipino youth, the Philippines, overseas workers, and altar servers, reflecting his lay ministry and martyrdom.[4][12]
Feast day
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s feast day is celebrated on 28 September in the Catholic and Orthodox liturgical calendars, commemorating his martyrdom in 1637.[4]
Veneration
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is venerated through prayers, novenas, and pilgrimages to Binondo Church, Manila, where his relics are enshrined.[3] His feast day, 28 September, features Masses across the Philippines, with the Orthodox Church also honoring him.[7] The Binondo shrine attracts Filipino devotees and diaspora communities, as noted in posts (post:5).[10]
He is depicted in religious art with a palm branch, rosary, or Dominican habit, symbolizing martyrdom and faith. His cult inspires devotion in the Archdiocese of Manila, with parishes globally honoring his legacy.[8]
Books
Written about the saint
- Butler’s Lives of the Saints, Vol. I – Includes a biography of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, detailing his martyrdom.
- San Lorenzo Ruiz: The First Filipino Saint by Luciano P.R. Santiago – A study of his life and legacy.[13]
Written by the saint
- No known writings by Saint Lorenzo Ruiz are preserved, as his legacy relies on oral testimony and martyrdom accounts.[1]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_Ruiz
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/09/28/sts--lorenzo-ruiz-and-companions--martyrs.html
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 https://saintlorenzo.org/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=2311
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 https://t.co/Yb47qbEBiO
- ↑ https://saintoftheday.com/st-lorenzo-ruiz/
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lorenzo-ruiz-and-companions/
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 https://www.facebook.com/xxxxxxxxxx/
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedpost5 - ↑ 11.0 11.1 https://nolacatholic.org/news/san-lorenzo-ruiz-patron-saint-of-the-filipino-people
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 https://www.stlorenzoschool.ca/about/
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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