St Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions -28th September

THE STORY OF SAINT LORENZO RUIZ AND COMPANIONS

Lorenzo was born in Manila of a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both Christians. Thus he learned Chinese and Tagalog from them, and Spanish from the Dominicans whom he served as altar boy and sacristan. He became a professional calligrapher, transcribing documents in beautiful penmanship. He was a full member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary under Dominican auspices. He married and had two sons and a daughter.

Lorenzo’s life took an abrupt turn when he was accused of murderAt that time, three Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet, and Miguel de Aozaraza, were about to sail to Japan in spite of a violent persecution there. With them was a Japanese priest, Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and a layman named Lazaro, a leper. Lorenzo, having taken asylum with them, was allowed to accompany them. But only when they were at sea did he learn that they were going to Japan.

They landed at Okinawa. Lorenzo could have gone on to Formosa, but, he reported, “I decided to stay with the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there.” In Japan they were soon found out, arrested, and taken to Nagasaki. The site of wholesale bloodshed when the atomic bomb was dropped had known tragedy before. The 50,000 Catholics who once lived there were dispersed or killed by persecution.

They were subjected to an unspeakable kind of torture: After huge quantities of water were forced down their throats, they were made to lie down. Long boards were placed on their stomachs and guards then stepped on the ends of the boards, forcing the water to spurt violently from mouth, nose and ears.

The five were put to death by being hanged upside down in pits. Boards fitted with semi-circular holes were fitted around their waists and stones put on top to increase the pressure. They were tightly bound, to slow circulation and prevent a speedy death. They were allowed to hang for three days. By that time Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead. Still alive, the three priests were then beheaded.

In 1987, Pope John Paul II canonized these six and 10 others: Asians and Europeans, men and women, who spread the faith in the Philippines, Formosa, and Japan. Lorenzo Ruiz is the first canonized Filipino martyr. The liturgical feast of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions is celebrated on September 28.

0928 St Lorenzo Ruiz 2p SMC 8.5 x 11 R1R 20240602

0928 St Lorenzo Ruiz 9-day Novena 2p SMC 8.5 x 11 R1R 20240603

Prayer

Grant us, we pray, Lord God, the same perseverance shown by your Martyrs Saint Lawrence Ruiz and his companions in serving you and their neighbour, since those persecuted for the sake of righteousness are blessed in your Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. God, for ever and ever.

Collect Prayer

O God, who taught the Martyr Saint Wenceslaus to place the heavenly Kingdom before an earthly one, grant through his prayers that, denying ourselves, we may hold fast to you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Prayer to St. Lorenzo Ruiz

O most merciful and almighty God,
You bestowed as gift to Lorenzo Ruiz
The strength to withstand
The overpowering forces of death
For the sake of his faith in You.

Through his prayers,
Help us to follow his example
By overcoming all life’s trials
And eventually, increase
Our hope and love in You.

O St. Lorenzo Ruiz,
You brought honour to your country,
Having been a level-headed
And prudent father of the family,
A witness of Christ in your life
Until your death.

We present all our petitions
To God through your help
So that by our actions,
We may know more and love more
Jesus our Lord and Savior.

We humbly implore
Your intercession O dear St. Lorenzo,
For the infinite glory of God
And in honour of your triumph
As a martyr of Christ
And defender of Christianity.
Amen.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Memorial Prayer Card

God our loving Father, we praise and thank you for crowning St. Lorenzo Ruiz with the glory of martyrdom. Through his intercession, enable us by your Holy Spirit, to live and die for you and your beloved people, hoping that we may be transformed day by day into the likeness of your Son, Jesus Christ. United with him around the table of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, inspire us to surrender ourselves that we may be taken by you, Father, to be blessed, broken, and shared with and for others in love and unity.
Amen.

A Prayer to St. Lorenzo Ruiz

Beloved Lorenzo Ruiz, confronted with death, you proclaimed your readiness to die a thousand times for your Christian faith. Today the whole world admires your courage. We feel particularly proud of you as our brother. And we pray: You, a family man, protect our families. Keep them united in love. You, who bore your sufferings with patience and resignation, intercede for the sick of mind and body; help them to receive the grace of God’s miraculous healing. You, who died in a foreign country, take care of Filipinos living and working in this country and in other parts of the world. You, an example of Christian fortitude, sustain our faith and make it spread and grow strong all around us. You, the Philippines’ first saint, be the country’s special protector. Unite us as one people; help us to work in harmony for development and progress; and give us peace. Amen.(State your intentions). San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.
Amen.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Prayers

O most merciful and almighty God, you bestowed as gift to Lorenzo Ruiz the strength to withstand the overpowering forces of death for the sake of his faith in You. Through his prayers, help us to follow his example by overcoming all life’s trials and eventually, increase our hope and love in You. O Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, you brought honor to your country, having been a level-headed and prudent father of the family, a witness of Christ in your life until your death. We present all our petitions to God through your help so that by our actions we may know more and love more Jesus our Lord and Savior. We humbly implore your intercession O dear Saint Lorenzo, for the infinite glory of God and in honor of your triumph as a martyr of Christ and defender of Christianity.
Amen.

Prayer In Times Of Adversity

Beloved SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA and Companion Martyrs: You, who experienced the supreme sacrifice of martyrdom for the proclamation of the Christian faith, inspire us with your strength and firmness of conviction to withstand the adversities of our lives and the difficulties of our existence. Teach us with your marvelous example and saintly wisdom to turn trials into blessings, by showing us the glory that comes from discovering the redemptive power of God’s love. When times are full of grief, when moments are suffused with worry, let us feel your presence in our midst, so that we will be aware that you are by our side, strengthening us and interceding for us before Almighty God that we may have patience in our sufferings and consolation in our hardships. Help us realize that only in knowing our weakness can we be strong, only in undergoing sadness can we find real happiness, and only in passing through trials and distress can we find peace, encouragement and spiritual joy. AMEN. (State your intentions). San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.

Prayer For The Sick

Beloved SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA and Martyr Companions, to you do we come for help. Help us to have the same faith and love that you had for God. We call upon you today on behalf of our ailing beloved ones. By your prayers and intercession obtain for them, not only comfort and peace for their souls, but also vigor, strength and health for their bodies. We place our entire confidence in you because we know that God loves you and that you care for us. We earnestly pray that our sick ones be purified and revitalized in every cell, tissue, nerve and organ, so that the bodily limbs may function effectively again. Through your powerful intercession help our sick to receive the grace of God’s miraculous compassion, so that they will be completely whole again, and thereby be able to continue serving God faithfully in this life to the best of their strength and to attain the salvation to which you arrived.
Amen.

NOVENA TO SAINT LORENZO RUIZ

Feast day: September 28

ACT OF CONTRITION

O Lord my God. You created me, and You sent Your Only Son to redeem me. I am truly sorry for having offended You. My God, my Lord, and my Father, whom I adore above all things, I intend to make amends for all my sins and promise to approach the sacrament of penance as frequently as possible. I hope for your pardon and strength in honor of Your Holy Passion and sacrifice on the cross.
Amen.

OPENING PRAYER

O most merciful and almighty God, you bestowed as a gift to Lorenzo Ruiz the strength to withstand the overpowering forces of death for the sake of his faith in You. Through his prayers, help us to follow his example by overcoming all life’s trials and eventually, increase our hope and love in You. O St. Lorenzo Ruiz, you brought honour to our country, having been a level-headed and prudent father of the family, a witness of Christ in your life until your death. We present all our petitions to God through your help so that by our actions, we may know more and love more Jesus our Lord and Saviour. We humbly implore your intercession in this novena, for the infinite glory of God and in honour of your triumph as a martyr of Christ and defender of Christianity.

REFLECTION (Please see daily reflections)

ACT OF SUPPLICATION

Response

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. O St. Lorenzo Ruiz, you showed yourself to be a responsible father of your family: you chose to live in the midst of suffering. Look with gracious eyes upon our family that is now beset with crisis.

(R) You had been loyal as a servant of the church by fulfilling your duties to God and to your fellowman; inspire us to be loyal too to our commitments.

(R) You had been a hardworking member of parish organization; teach us to take an active part in parish activities and become a worthy instrument of Christ in works of charity.

(R) You had been firm in your faith in Christ which was why you chose to die for his sake: help us to be brave and fearless defenders of Christianity.

(R) (Pray one “Our Father” in honor of the Holy Passion of Jesus Christ).

PRAYER TO ST. LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA

Beloved Lorenzo Ruiz, confronted with death, you proclaimed your readiness to die a thousand times for your Christian faith. Today the whole world admires your courage. We feel particularly proud of you as our brother. And we pray: You, a family man, protect our families. Keep them united in love. You, who bore your sufferings with patience and resignation, intercede for the sick of mind and body; help them to receive the grace of God’s miraculous healing. You, who died in a foreign country, take care of Filipinos living and working in this country and in other parts of the world. You, an example of Christian fortitude, sustain our faith and make it spread and grow strong all around us. You, the Philippines’ first saint, be the country’s
special protector. Unite us as one people; help us to work in harmony for development and progress; and give us peace.
Amen.

REFLECTIONS

FIRST DAY- SEPTEMBER 17TH

St. Paul said in his letter to the Romans: Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:35-39).

(pause for a moment)

If a man loves God, he will try to overcome all difficulties for His sake, like a man doing everything for his beloved. St. Lorenzo Ruiz denied himself and surmounted all trials, suffering, hunger, persecution, and death as proof of his faith in God.

This is the ultimate reason why love for God prevailed in St. Lorenzo Ruiz’s life. In our case, what is important in life, and who are we following as example?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions).

SECOND DAY- SEPTEMBER 18TH

This is what the Lord says in the gospel according to St. John the Apostle: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. (Jn. 15:12-15)

(pause for a moment)

We can show our love for God in action, not just in words. We can manifest this love to Him if we do things according to His will and fulfil our obligations to Him and to our neighbours. Like St. Lorenzo Ruiz, let us offer our life to God as the greatest sign of our love for Him even if we experience so much hardships in the hands of the enemies of our faith. What responsibilities do I need to accomplish in honour of St. Lorenzo Ruiz?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions).

THIRD DAY- SEPTEMBER 19TH

St. John the Apostle says in his gospel: “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. (Jn. 15 18-21)

(pause for a moment)

According to our Lord Himself, whoever follows in His footsteps shall also suffer hardships and even persecution in reparation of sins. In the midst of suffering, one’s moral strength and steadfastness in truth are put to test. By this, there is assurance that all other hardships that will come by will be overcome. But, by avoiding or even complaining against life’s difficulties, one’s heart is weakened. Victory in anything – in life, in the field of science, education, economics, morality – can only be achieved with the price of hardships and suffering. What sufferings and hardships are you currently experiencing on account of your faith in Jesus Christ which you can offer together with St. Lorenzo Ruiz?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions)

FOURTH DAY – SEPTEMBER 20TH

According to the Gospel of St. Matthew: Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Matt. 19:16-21)

(pause for a moment)

Are we of the same disposition as the young man in the gospel? Do we also obey the commandments of God and fulfil obligations of our family and neighbours? We all want to be holy but do we follow the counsels of Jesus conveyed to the young man? There are still murders, acts of adultery, thefts, and robberies, slanders and curses around us. Let us strive to avoid such acts as will hinder us from the road to eternal life. What more can you do in order to be of help to those in need – beyond your relatives?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions).

FIFTH DAY – SEPTEMBER 21ST

The gospel according to St. Luke: Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (14:25-27)

(pause for a moment)

Two points are conveyed to us by this gospel narrative. First, that in following Christ, we should love Him more than we love our spouses and families. The meaning is that we have to love God above everything and everyone else. Of course, we should love all others, but never at the expense of God’s love and commandments. The second message is that we have to bear our cross with joy. It is the cross and the way we carry it that characterize our disciple of Christ. There can be no disciple or follower of Christ that can be worthy of His love unless one bears the cross. Who avoids the cross given by Christ is like renouncing Christ the crucified. St. Lorenzo Ruiz has given us an example of loving Christ ’till death. What cross are you currently carrying that you can offer to the Lord together with San Lorenzo Ruiz?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions).

SIXTH DAY – SEPTEMBER 22ND

In the gospel according to St. Luke, Jesus said: “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls. (Luke 21:12-19)

(pause for a moment)

The grace of God, Christ has assured us, will be sufficient to sustain ourselves in the midst of suffering and persecution, for it is for His sake that we bear hardships and difficulties. St. Lorenzo Ruiz is an example of how we should not worry about what to say when we are slandered, or what to do in the presence of persecutors. By our example of strength of soul and heart, we also preach the gospel of love of Christ. How close am I to the Holy Spirit? How can I better understand His promptings and assistance especially during the time of battle with the enemies of the faith?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions).

SEVENTH DAY – SEPTEMBER 23RD

The book of Wisdom tells us that the just are protected by the hand of God (3:1-5). They will triumph over every form of hardship. But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself.

(pause for a moment)

The biography of Lorenzo Ruiz narrates that he started to suffer punishment for his Christian faith on Sept. 21, 1637. He was brought to the judge who asked him about Christianity. and he answered: “I am a Christian and I will remain to be so until death; to God alone shall I offer my life. And if I would have a thousand lives, I would still offer them to him. So, do to me as you please.” St. Lorenzo Ruiz was then put to death by “hanging in the pit.” What an example of fortitude in the face of death! We, too, shall commit ourselves to the love of God and neighbour until the end of our earthly life. What issues in today’s times should I be standing and fighting for according to my Christian faith?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions).

EIGHT DAY – SEPTEMBER 24TH

St. Peter the Apostle has consoling advice to us (I Peter 4:12-15) in times of need and trials: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.

(pause for a moment)

If you suffer because you are Christians, don’t be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ’s name.” Indeed, it is only through a trial of one’s faith that a follower of Christ will deserve the name Christian. The genuineness of gold is ascertained in fire. The truth of Christianity is tested and verified and enhanced by challenges and trials. St. Lorenzo Ruiz proved that faith is tested when one is challenged to renounce it with promise of physical freedom and temporary happiness. We know that the saint showed us the way to everlasting happiness- when he gave up earthly life for eternal life. We can go through similar tests but we have to rely on God’s grace and assistance. Without Him, we cannot do anything. With Him, we can even withstand persecution. Do I need to change my Sacramental life – attendance in Mass, reception of Holy Communion, regular Confession, as well as my life of prayer?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions)

NINTH DAY – SEPTEMBER 25TH

Our Lord’s gospel according to St. Matthew (24:9-14) reminds us of the need for perseverance in order to attain salvation. Jesus said: “Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.”

(pause for a moment)

If we look closely into the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, we will realize that he was not one of those who harboured hatred against others. He persevered in the acknowledgment of his faith. His death could be said to be a form of preaching the Good News of salvation. It behooves that as his devotees, we all follow in his footsteps so that we may likewise attain, through perseverance, eternal salvation. What commandments of the Lord am I still violating up to today? Am I ready to ask for the help of San Lorenzo Ruiz and the Blessed Virgin towards renewing myself?

(Pause for a while, reflect on the examples of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, and in silence, mention all your petitions)