| Filipino Ministry |
"A spirit of collaboration, joy, hope, and deep faith characterized the historic event. It was a new beginning, a big and warm gesture of the church's welcome to Filipino Catholics, an invitation to walk together in renewing the church and a sign of respect for the Filipino faith and culture."
The First Nat'l Convention of Filipino Apostolate
January 12-15, 1990
Ministries Offered:
- Quarterly Mass
- Block Rosary
- Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant
weekly prayer gathering
marriage encounter weekend
History & Traditions:
The Filipino Culture is "a mixture of many eastern and western cultures - a dance between the east and the west." Seeing "the past becoming part of the present and the future." Valuing interpersonal relationships and preserving harmony whenever possible. 'Hospitality is a mark of the Filipino culture. Filipinos go out of their way to extend hospitality to visitors and friends, who can drop in any time without prior notice and take part in the family meal." With a spontaneous smile and friendliness bringing warmth and welcome even to strangers.
A Catholic Response to the Asian Presence
![[Saint Lorenzo Ruiz]](/psm/images/saintl17.jpg)
St. Lorenzo Ruiz
Feast Day: September 28
Lorenzo Ruiz is the first Filipino saint and first Filipino martyred for the Christian Faith. He was born in Binondo, Manila between 1600 and 1610.
According to the documents cited to proclaim him "Blessed", his parents were devout Catholics. He was a christened "Lorenzo" after a martyr during the 3rd century persecution of Christians. his surname "Ruiz" was taken from the last name of his godfather.
In his younger years, Lorenzo served at the convent of Binondo church as a sacristan. Since he lived there together with Dominican priest, he learn from them not just Spanish but also catechism.
After several years, Lorenzo Ruiz earned the title of "escribano" or notary. He became an active member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, an organization devoted to the Blessed Virgin. This group was organized in the Philippines in 1587.
Lorenzo got married but the name of his wife was not mentioned in the documents. He confess before he was convicted that he was a family man - having a wife with three kids, two boys and a girl.
In 1636, a grave crime was committed in Manila. Authorities conducted a manhunt for Lorenzo because they believed he knew something about it or was himself involved in it. When Lorenzo learn of some missionary priest leaving for Japan, he asked if he could be allowed to join them. And he was allowed aboard the ship bound for Japan, along with the Dominicans, safe from fear of being implicated in a crime.
At that time, there was a wide scale persecution of Christians in Japan. All those who professed faith in God and served as missionaries were jailed and even up to death. Their lives were to be spared if they would renounce their Christians faith. But thousands of those Christians chose death rather than renouncing their belief in God. And Lorenzo Ruiz was among those who underwent excruciating forms of persecution.
One of the forms of punishments imposed on Christians was "hanging in the pit" on the hills of Nagasaki. The victims feet were tied to a beam, his body hanged upside down and his head occupying the amount of the pit. Lorenzo Ruiz went through this agonizing punishment when he refused to renounce his faith.
When he was investigate as a Christian, he answered: "I'm a Christian and I will remain a Christian even to the point of death. Only to God will I offer my life. Even if I had a thousands lives, I would still offer them to him. This is the reason why I came here in Japan, to leave my native land as a Christian, offering my life to God alone.
He was told that he would be put to death if he did not renounce his faith, but he stuck to his belief. He said he will never disown his identity as a Christian. It was on September 23, 1637 that he begun to undergo "hanging in the pit".
Lorenzo Ruiz was proclaim "Blessed" in February 1981 at Luneta, together with 16 other companions, in connection with Pope John Paul II's papal visit to the Philippines. He was canonized and declared a Saint on October 18, 1987 in Rome. As such, he is now worthy of being venerated and honored in the church altar. His feast day falls on September 28.
Panunluyan
In the above link you will learn about many traditions surrounding christmas, such as: Simbang Gabi, Parol, Feast of the Three Kings, Decorations and Food. You will also get the recipe make the food and what king of materials you will need to make the decoration.
Links of interest:
For More Information:
Marangely Melendez, Secretary
585.328.3210 ext. 1328Bernard Grizard, Diocesan Director
585.328.3210 ext. 1328
