Saint Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs

Saint Lawrence Ruiz is the first Filipino saint. He is also called San Lorenzo Ruiz. He was not a priest or a bishop. He was a husband, a father, and a layman. He was an ordinary man who stayed faithful to Jesus even when it was very hard.

He was killed for his faith in Japan. He died with other Christians. These Christians are called his companions. They were missionaries and priests. They were from different countries, but they all believed in Jesus. They were put to death because they would not give up their faith.

Saint Lawrence did not plan to be a missionary. He was not trained as a priest. He left his home to escape trouble. But he chose to follow Christ until the end. He showed courage even when he was afraid.

His story is remembered because it teaches us to be brave in our faith. It shows us that anyone can become a saint. You do not have to be a priest or a nun. You just have to stay close to Jesus, no matter what happens.

Lawrence Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila. This was in the Philippines. He was born around the year 1600. His father was Chinese. His mother was Filipino. Both of them were Catholic.

He grew up in a Catholic home. He was baptized and raised in the faith. He learned Spanish and was educated by Dominican priests. He served as an altar boy in church. He worked as a clerk for the church. He helped with writing and copying documents.

As he grew older, he got married. His wife’s name is not known for sure. They had three children. Lawrence lived a quiet life. He worked hard and cared for his family. He did not expect his life to change so much.

Later, something happened that forced him to leave the Philippines. He was accused of a crime. We do not know if the accusation was true. But he was afraid he would be punished. So he left the country. This was the start of a very different path.

When Lawrence left the Philippines, he joined a group of missionaries. They were Dominicans. They were going to Japan. He did not plan to go there to preach. He just needed a place to hide. He thought he would be safe with them.

At that time, it was very dangerous to be a Christian in Japan. The government there did not allow the Christian faith. Many Christians were arrested. Some were tortured. Many were killed. But the missionaries still went there to share the Gospel.

Lawrence and the group landed in Okinawa. Then they went to Nagasaki. Soon after, they were captured by the Japanese. The local leaders found out they were Christians. They were put in prison. They were told to give up their faith.

Lawrence did not expect this. He was not trained like the priests were. He was just a husband and a father. But he stayed strong. He chose to stay with the missionaries. He did not try to run. He did not deny his faith.

The prisoners were treated very badly. They were beaten. They were not given enough food. They were tied up for days. They were asked again and again to deny Jesus. But they said no. They stayed firm.

The Japanese leaders wanted them to give up their faith. If they did, they would go free. Lawrence was told he could live if he said he was not a Christian. But he said, “I am a Christian. If I had a thousand lives, I would give them all to God.”

They were taken to a hill called Nishizaka in Nagasaki. This was a place where many Christians were killed. Lawrence and his companions were tortured there. They were hung upside down in a pit. This was a slow and painful death.

After some days, Lawrence died. His companions also died. Some were killed right away. Some died slowly. But all of them died for their faith. They did not give up. They stayed faithful to Jesus until the end.

Lawrence Ruiz did not die alone. He died with other men of faith. These men were his companions. They were priests and missionaries. Some were from Europe. One was from Japan. They all followed Jesus.

Their names are Saint Antonio Gonzalez, Saint Guillermo Courtet, Saint Miguel de Aozaraza, Saint Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and Saint Domingo Ibáñez de Erquicia. They were all members of religious orders. Most were Dominicans. One was a Jesuit.

These men preached the Gospel in many places. They knew it was dangerous. But they still went. They helped people learn about Jesus. They gave the sacraments. They prayed with the people. They gave their whole lives to the mission.

They welcomed Lawrence when he joined them. They suffered and died together. Their unity showed the power of the Church. Different people from different countries stood together for Christ. They remind us that the Church is one family in Christ.

Lawrence Ruiz and his companions were beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1981. This means the Church declared they were in heaven. Later, in 1987, the pope canonized them. This means they were named saints of the Church.

Their feast day is September 28. This is the day the Church remembers their courage and faith. Many Catholics in the Philippines celebrate this day. Lawrence Ruiz is the first Filipino to be named a saint. He is very special to Filipino Catholics.

Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of the Philippines. He is also the patron of people who are persecuted for their faith. He is an example for laypeople. He reminds us that anyone can be holy. You do not need to be rich or powerful.

The story of Saint Lawrence Ruiz and his companions is not just for the past. It speaks to people today. It reminds us to stay strong in faith. It calls us to be brave, even when life is hard. It shows us how to follow Jesus with courage.

From Manila to Martyrdom: The Journey of San Lorenzo Ruiz

From Manila to Martyrdom: The Journey of San Lorenzo Ruiz tells the story of the first Filipino saint. It follows his life from Manila to his death in Japan. The book shares how he stayed strong in his faith, even when facing death. It shows his courage, his deep trust in God, and how his life still inspires people today. Readers will learn about his simple beginnings, his journey with missionaries, and how he became a saint. This story reminds us that faith can grow in any place and in any person, no matter how ordinary their life may seem.