The Philippines has produced saints and blessed who embody the highest ideals of Christian faith and Filipino culture. These holy men and women—from the protomartyr San Lorenzo Ruiz to the charitable San Pedro Calungsod—offer models of heroic virtue for contemporary Filipinos.
San Lorenzo Ruiz: Protomartyr of the Philippines
San Lorenzo Ruiz (c. 1600–1637) holds the distinction of being the first Filipino saint, canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 1987. Born in Manila to a Chinese father and Filipino mother, Lorenzo was a husband, father, and sacristan. Fleeing the Philippines after being accused of murder, he joined Dominican missionaries bound for Japan, where he was martyred for his faith. He declared: "I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer."
San Pedro Calungsod: Martyr of Guam
San Pedro Calungsod (c. 1654–1672) was a young catechist from the Visayas who accompanied Jesuit missionaries to the Mariana Islands. When anti-Christian violence broke out, Pedro chose to remain with the missionary priest rather than escape. He was killed on April 2, 1672, at about seventeen years old. Pope Benedict XVI canonized him in 2012, making him the second Filipino saint.
The Filipino Call to Holiness
The Second Vatican Council taught that all the faithful are called to holiness (Lumen Gentium, no. 40). The Filipino saints and blessed demonstrate that this call applies to Filipinos of every state in life. Their lives show that Filipino culture, properly lived, is conducive to the highest holiness.
References
- Canonization of Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions. (1987). Liturgical texts and biographical information. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- Congregation for the Causes of Saints. (2012). Decree of canonization of Pedro Calungsod. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- John Paul II. (1987). Homily at the canonization of Lorenzo Ruiz and companions. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- Vatican Council II. (1964). Lumen gentium. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.