History & Biographies

St. Lorenzo Ruiz: The First Filipino Saint and The Story of His Heroic Martyrdom

Martyr 
•Feast day: September 28
•1594-1637

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino to be canonized, stands as an enduring symbol of faith and resilience in the face of persecution. Born in Binondo, Manila, in the early 1600s, Lorenzo was the son of a Chinese father and a Filipina mother, reflecting the multicultural background of the Philippines during that era. His upbringing was strongly rooted in Catholic devotion, and he was educated by Dominican missionaries, where he developed a deep understanding of the faith and became proficient in Spanish and Tagalog. He served as an altar boy and later as a clerk at the Binondo Church, known for his diligence and integrity.

A Happy Family Life and Sudden Turn of Events

Lorenzo lived a peaceful life in Manila, happily married to a Filipina woman whose name remains largely unknown in historical records. Together, they had three children, and Lorenzo’s devotion to his family was evident in the love and care he showed them. However, this peaceful existence was interrupted in 1636 when he found himself falsely accused of killing a Spaniard. With the colonial authorities after him, the threat of execution loomed, and Lorenzo made the difficult decision to flee, joining a group of Dominican missionaries bound for Japan.

At the time, Japan had entered a period of intense persecution of Christians. The missionaries who journeyed with Lorenzo—Fr. Domingo Ibáñez de Erquicia, Fr. Francisco Morales, Fr. Giordano Ansaloni, Fr. Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and a layman named Lazaro—were well aware of the risks they were taking. Lorenzo, hoping to escape injustice in the Philippines, could not have foreseen the even greater trial awaiting him.

Arrest and Torture in Japan

Upon reaching Okinawa, the group was arrested by Japanese authorities who were determined to eradicate Christianity from the land. Lorenzo and his companions were taken to Nagasaki, where they faced relentless torture intended to force them to renounce their faith. The tortures they endured were unimaginable: they were made to drink excessive amounts of water, which soldiers then forced out of their bodies by trampling on their stomachs, causing excruciating pain. Long needles were driven under their fingernails, adding to their agony.

Perhaps the most horrific torture was the tsurushi, or “gallows and pit.” Lorenzo and his companions were hung upside down into a pit filled with filth, with only one hand left free to give a sign if they chose to recant their faith. This method was designed to prolong suffering and induce despair. Despite the unimaginable pain, Lorenzo’s resolve never wavered.

Heroic Faith and Final Words

Lorenzo’s steadfastness became evident in his final declaration of faith. When asked to renounce his beliefs in exchange for his life, he famously responded: “I am a Christian, and this I profess until the hour of my death. If I had a thousand lives, I would give them all to God.” These words, spoken amidst unbearable torment, inspired both his companions and witnesses to his martyrdom. His courage was so profound that it moved even two renegade priests who had served as interpreters for the Japanese authorities. These priests repented and fled to Manila to report the martyrdom of Lorenzo and his companions.

Legacy and Canonization

In Manila, news of Lorenzo’s heroism spread quickly, and the Archbishop ordered that all church bells in the city be rung in his honor. His story became a beacon of hope and inspiration for Filipino Catholics, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for one’s faith.

Centuries later, St. Lorenzo Ruiz was beatified by Pope John Paul II on February 18, 1981, during the Pope’s visit to the Philippines—the first beatification ceremony ever held outside the Vatican. He was canonized on October 18, 1987, also by Pope John Paul II, making him the first Filipino saint. His canonization was a moment of immense pride for the Filipino people and a powerful reminder of the strength of faith in the face of adversity.

Significance for the Filipino People

St. Lorenzo Ruiz’s life and martyrdom resonate deeply with Filipinos, embodying values such as courage, family devotion, and unwavering faith. He is a patron saint of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who, like Lorenzo, often face challenges far from home. His story speaks to the sacrifices made by many for their loved ones, as well as the importance of standing by one’s convictions.

The feast day of St. Lorenzo Ruiz is celebrated on September 28, and he is venerated not only in the Philippines but also by Filipino communities around the world. His life is a testament to how ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary heights through faith and perseverance.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz’s journey—from a church clerk in Manila to a martyr in Nagasaki—reveals a profound story of faith and sacrifice. His willingness to give up everything for his belief in Christ serves as an inspiration to millions. In a world where faith is often tested, St. Lorenzo’s legacy reminds us of the power of standing firm in our convictions, no matter the cost.