Lawrence Ruiz

Saint Lawrence (Lorenzo) Ruiz was born on November 28, 1594, in Binondo, Manila, to a Chinese father and a Tagalog mother, both devoted Catholics. Formed by the Dominican friars, he served as an altar boy and later worked as a skilled scrivener for the local church, joining the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. He married a woman named Rosario, and together they raised two sons and a daughter in a quiet, faith-filled home. In 1636, Lorenzo’s life changed suddenly when he was falsely accused of killing a Spaniard. Seeking refuge, he boarded a ship with Dominican missionaries and companions bound for Okinawa—only to be swept into Japan’s fierce persecution of Christians. Arrested and imprisoned, he endured brutal torture in Nagasaki. Offered freedom if he would deny Christ, Lorenzo instead professed his faith and surrendered his life, becoming the protomartyr of the Philippines. He is venerated as patron of the Philippines, the Filipino people, overseas Filipino workers, and altar servers. His feast day is September 28.