St. Lorenzo Ruiz

St. Lorenzo Ruiz- 1st Filipino Saint

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is one of the most widely regarded saints in the Philippines. He is the first Filipino saint and the first one to be martyred for his faith as a Catholic. 

He grew up in Manila around the 1600s and was taught under a Dominican schooling. He was very active in his faith during Masses as he grew up as an altar server and then moved up into a clerk-sacristan. He also joined the Confraternity of the Rosary. He earned his keep as a calligrapher meaning he was highly educated since during this time period, many were not even close to achieving greatness in this art. 

Some time later, he was accused of being involved in a criminal case (whether this was true or not was unclear). Due to this, he fled to Japan which was currently persecuting Christians. He was incarcerated along with his comrades. He was violently persecuted, but St. Lorenzo stayed steadfast in his faith and persevered and even told them that he was ready to die for the faith. He was hung by the gallows from his feet on September 27,1637. His body fell into a pit from this fall. He died of suffocation and bleeding after managing to hold on for two more days. 

Pope John Paul II beautified him along with his companions on February 18, 1981. They were all canonized on October 18 of that very same year. They all share the same feast day of September 28.