February 28, 2010
First Filipino Saint
Lorenzo Ruiz (c. 1600–1637) was a Chinese Filipino layman with two sons and a daughter who lived in Binondo, Manila's Chinatown. Falsely accused of killing a Spaniard, he was granted asylum on a ship with three Dominican priests. When the ship landed in Japan, the group was arrested for their Christian faith and tortured. Lorenzo refused to recant his faith and was finally subjected to the horrendous form of torture called tsurushi. After two days hanging upside down in an enclosed pit, he died from bleeding and suffocation. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Manila in 1981 and canonized in 1987. This statue of him stands in the small Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in front of the Binondo Church, which is formally titled the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz.
Very fine sculpture. Is that some kind of Chinese lantern? A very interesting post, Hilda!
ReplyDeleteSuch an awful story.
ReplyDeleteLorenzo Ruiz's biography really speaks of his deep faith in God! I haven't seen this statue back home; ...happy to discover it in yor blog.
ReplyDeleteThe title of this post has urged me to check the www of the list other Filipino Saints, and I found Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.
I think there are plenty of forgotten, unnamed, unbeatified or uncanonized 'saints' in our country. I believe that every Filipino isn't just born to become a hero, he/she's born and molded into a 'saint' he/she would become, as well. o",)
What a moving story.
ReplyDeleteLove the fact that he is barefoot, in my opinion, reflecting his close and honest contact with life.
A nice Sunday to you.
I, too, am drawn to the bare feet...and the thoughts of connections with that choice.
ReplyDeleteAnother who's faith knew no limitations. That's some story Hilda.
ReplyDeleteOne of the Dominican friars was the Sicilian Giordano Ansalone, beatified and canonized with Saint Lorenzo Ruiz.
ReplyDeleteWhile some humans are capable of horrendous things, others are brave enough to stand the harshest afflictions... Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Cezar
The statue captures a purity of spirit. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Statue !! Simply amazing !!
ReplyDeleteInspriring story, Hilda. As others have commented, the bare feet say a lot about him. The extremes of what humanity can do are displayed in the life and death of this saint.
ReplyDeleteLOL
ReplyDeleteHe is sooooooooooo long :-)
Unique shot !!
An amazing story of faith....nice one.
ReplyDeleteA very moving story and a nice statue.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post of information. I always learn something here, Hilda!
ReplyDeleteOh no! I've heard of the Tsurushi, and that many people were tortured that way in the old days. I'm glad there's a statue to remember him by :)
ReplyDeletenice nice. i too like that area but i like the church the most there and the hidden temples.
ReplyDelete