Saintly Models for "Modern Day Missionaries"

In a world where Christians are facing hostility, ridicule, and disdain, it is so much more convenient to just hide out and renounce the faith. But for many Filipinos in the Philippines and in the diaspora, the faith has to be lived and shared with honor and pride. These Filipinos have a little bit of San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod in them. These two are the first Filipino canonized saints and during the month of September, they are both honored and celebrated by Filipinos around the world. Filipinos have these two heroic and saintly models that they can all look to for inspiration. Just like what these saints did, Filipinos today are also refusing to recant and renounce their faith. Instead, they continue to give witness to their faith with fervor, sharing not only their cultural heritage but also the gift and inspiration of their very own, San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod.

It was on September 27, 1637 when Lorenzo Ruiz and his companions were taken up to Nishizaka Hill, tortured, and told to recant and renounce their Christian faith. Some of his fellow missionaries were forced to recant, which eventually led to their release. Lorenzo Ruiz, however, steadfast in his faith, refused to recant and that ultimately led to his death. His last words were:

“I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer.”

His religious conviction resonates with many Filipinos today, particularly with those in foreign lands. And because of their deep faith and the vibrant ways they carry it with them, plus their sheer presence across the globe, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are considered to be the modern-day missionaries of the world. Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle once said that, “Our overseas Filipino migrant workers have become the big missionary presence.” They bring their faith, their practices, and their fervor with them wherever they are in the diaspora.

In parishes with a vibrant Filipino population across North America, besides the other well-known and well-established Filipino celebrations such as Simbang Gabi and Santacruzan, the Feast of Filipino Saints is another significant date on parish calendars marked to celebrate the richness of our Catholic faith.  

Read the full article as it first appeared on Positively Filipino Magazine: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/san-lorenzo-ruiz-in-america