Story of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz | Stories of Saints for Kids | EP84

Summary

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, a Chinese-Filipino Catholic, became the Philippines' first martyr after his execution in Japan during the 17th-century persecution of Christians. Born in Manila, he was multilingual and served as a clerk and unofficial Dominican messenger. Implicated in a murder, he fled to Japan unknowingly joining a secret mission, leading to his arrest and torture. Despite the offer to renounce his faith for freedom, he remained steadfast, ultimately dying a martyr's death. He is now the patron saint of Filipino youth, overseas workers, and altar servers.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is a Filipino saint recognized in the Catholic Church.
• 🌐 He was of Chinese-Filipino descent and became the country's first martyr.
• 📚 Born around 1600, he was multilingual, speaking Tagalog, Spanish, and Chinese.
• 🏫 He was educated by Dominican friars and served as an altar boy.
• 🔍 Lorenzo was a skilled calligrapher and clerk, known for his honesty.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He was married with three children and maintained close ties with the Dominicans.
• 🚨 Accused of murder, he fled to avoid an unfair trial under Spanish colonial rule.
• 🚢 Unknowingly, he joined a secret missionary to Japan, thinking he was going to Macau.
• 🔒 Upon arrival in Japan, he and the missionaries were arrested and tortured.
• ❌ Despite the emperor's offer, they refused to renounce their faith.
• 💔 Lorenzo and the other missionaries were executed for their steadfast beliefs.

Q & A

Who is Saint Lorenzo Ruiz?

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is a Filipino saint venerated in the Catholic Church, known as the country's proto-martyr after his execution in Japan during the 17th century persecution of Japanese Christians.

What was Lorenzo Ruiz's background?

Lorenzo Ruiz was a Chinese-Filipino born around 1600 in Manila to a Catholic Chinese and Filipino couple. He was taught Chinese by his father and Tagalog by his mother.

How many languages did Lorenzo Ruiz speak?

Lorenzo Ruiz spoke three languages: Tagalog, Spanish, and Chinese.

What was Lorenzo Ruiz's profession?

Lorenzo Ruiz was a professional calligrapher and a clerk, inspired by the Dominicans who taught him Spanish and how to read and write.

Why did Lorenzo Ruiz join the confraternity of the Holy Rosary?

Lorenzo Ruiz was inspired by the Dominicans, who noticed his honesty and trustworthiness, and eventually made him their unofficial messenger.

What happened to Lorenzo Ruiz that led him to flee his home?

Lorenzo Ruiz was implicated in the murder of a Spaniard and, knowing the colonial inequality of the courts, decided to leave his home to seek a safe place to hide.

How did Lorenzo Ruiz end up in Japan?

Lorenzo Ruiz confided his problem to Father Domingo Gonzalez, a Dominican priest, who allowed him to board their ship, which was part of a secret missionary to Japan.

What was the persecution faced by the missionaries in Japan?

The missionaries were arrested and thrown into prison due to a violent persecution against Christians enforced by Emperor Tokugawa Yamitsu to prevent the spread of Christianity in Japan.

What was the offer given to the missionaries by the Emperor of Japan?

The Emperor offered the missionaries to leave Japan as long as they were willing to renounce their faith.

How did Lorenzo Ruiz react to the torture he witnessed?

Initially terrified, Lorenzo Ruiz found relief and courage after praying the rosary and started comforting his companions in jail, asking them to have faith in the Lord's grand plan.

What is the most notable miracle attributed to Saint Lorenzo Ruiz?

The most notable miracle attributed to Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is the healing of a two-year-old girl, Cecilia Allegria Polycarpio, suffering from a rare brain disease, after her family and supporters prayed to Ruiz for his intercession.

When and where was Lorenzo Ruiz beatified?

Lorenzo Ruiz was beatified by Pope John Paul II on February 18, 1981, in the Philippines, marking the first beatification ceremony held outside the Vatican.

Who is Saint Lorenzo Ruiz the patron saint of?

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is the patron saint of Filipino youth, the Philippines people working overseas, and altar servers.