Saint Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila

Biography

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila, also known as Laurence Ruiz or Lawrence Ruiz, was born around 1600 in Binondo, Manila, Philippines. He was born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both of whom were devout Christians. Growing up in a Christian household, Lorenzo learned both Chinese and Tagalog languages at home and Spanish from the Dominicans, whom he served as an altar boy and sacristan. In addition to his religious upbringing, Lorenzo was also skilled in calligraphy and document transcription. He was recognized for his expertise in these fields and was even employed as a professional calligrapher. He was also a member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, a lay organization dedicated to the devotion of the Rosary. Lorenzo was married and had two sons and a daughter, living a life of peace and stability. However, his life took a drastic turn when, for unclear reasons, he was accused of murder. Fearing for his life, Lorenzo sought asylum on board a ship together with three Dominican priests named Saint Antonio Gonzalez, Saint Guillermo Courtet, and Saint Miguel de Aozaraza, as well as a Japanese priest named Saint Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz and a layman named Saint Lazaro of Kyoto, who was a leper. As they sailed, Lorenzo discovered that they were heading to Japan, a country experiencing severe persecution against Christians during that time. Although he had the option to go to Formosa (modern-day Taiwan), Lorenzo feared that the Spaniards there would hang him. Thus, he chose to stay with the missionaries as they landed in Okinawa. However, their mission was soon exposed, and they were arrested and taken to Nagasaki, Japan, where they were tortured for several days. Despite the physical torment, Lorenzo and the Japanese priest experienced a moment of weakness and considered renouncing their faith in exchange for release. However, after this crisis, they chose to reclaim their faith and defied their tormentors. Lorenzo, together with his companions, endured unimaginable suffering, including being hung upside down for three days. Ultimately, they were tragically crushed to death. Following their martyrdom, their bodies were burned, and their ashes were unceremoniously thrown into the Pacific Ocean. Saint Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila was recognized as the first canonized Filipino martyr. He was officially venerated on October 11, 1980, with a decree of martyrdom issued by Pope John Paul II. On February 18, 1981, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II and was finally canonized on October 18, 1987, by the same pope. The canonization miracle involved the miraculous healing of Cecily Alegriae Policarpio, who had been suffering from cerebral paralysis. Today, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is remembered for his unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution. While he did not have a specific patronage assigned to him, he serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of Christians in times of adversity.