Novena to St. Lorenzo of Manila, Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet Thurs., Sept. 28, 2023 3:00pm

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, a Filipino martyr, is a symbol of hope and resilience for migrants. He was a successful businessman and family man who was falsely accused of murder in 1636. To escape persecution, he fled to Japan with a group of Dominican missionaries. However, they were arrested upon arrival and tortured for their faith. Ruiz refused to renounce his faith and was executed on September 28, 1637. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1987 and is now the patron saint of the Philippines, Filipino youth, overseas Filipino workers, immigrants, the poor, separated families, and altar servers. For Catholic Filipinos, St. Lorenzo Ruiz is a powerful symbol of their faith and heritage. He is a reminder that even in the face of persecution and death, it is possible to remain steadfast in one's beliefs. He is also a role model for living a life of service and sacrifice to others. St. Lorenzo Ruiz's story resonates with migrants because he was himself a migrant. He left his home country to escape persecution and sought a new life in Japan. However, he was met with even greater persecution there. Despite this, he remained faithful to his faith and refused to renounce it. St. Lorenzo Ruiz is a powerful example of the resilience of the human spirit. He faced many challenges in his life, but he never gave up hope. He is an inspiration to migrants everywhere, reminding them that they are not alone and that God is with them on their journey.