You’re invited!
The Ministry of Filipino-Americans of Holy Family Catholic Church is again delighted to extend a heartfelt invitation to join in celebrating our patron saint,
San Lorenzo Ruiz,
the first Filipino Saint,
Saturday - September 27, 2025
8:15 AM Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church
Father Sy Nguyen will be presiding
San Lorenzo Ruiz
also known as the "Protomartyr of the Philippines," and considered “The Most Improbable of Saints” was a man of unwavering faith, exceptional courage, and unyielding dedication. His life serves as an inspiration for Filipinos and all people of faith, exemplifying the virtues we strive to uphold as followers of Christ.
To commemorate this special Saint, the Filipino Americans of Holy Family Catholic Church (FAHF) will be hosting a celebration to deepen our understanding of San Lorenzo Ruiz's extraordinary journey, and to celebrate our rich Filipino heritage as well. Here is what we have in store for you:
Novena Prayers - From September 18-26, we invite you to pray the novena prayer (scroll down) in union with the FAHF, asking for San Lorenzo's intercession and guidance in our lives.
Eucharistic Adoration - Prior to Mass on September 27, join the FAHF with adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
September 27 Mass at 8:15 AM - The Mass will feature a special homily highlighting San Lorenzo Ruiz's inspiring journey and exemplifying the relevance of his faith in our lives today.
Rosary Procession - from the church to the hall immediately following Mass
Fellowship - Following the Rosary Procession, join us for a breakfast reception of delectable Filipino cuisine highlighting the beautiful culture of San Lorenzo Ruiz. Please RSVP to Malou Aguinaldo - (714) 788-1699 or Lina Hampton (714) 273-9523 or below
Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Manila around the year 1600 to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. He was baptized in the Dominican church of Binondo. There, he served as an Escribano (calligrapher). He was married in the same church, and was blessed with two sons and a daughter.
In 1636, an adverse incident got Lorenzo into difficulties with the Manila authorities. As a result of this, he asked the Dominicans for help. Leaving his family in their care, he joined a group of four of the Dominicans and a Japanese layman and left with the Japanese missionaries on June 10, 1636.
Upon landing in Japan, they were arrested and subjected to inhumane tortures to make them renounce Christianity. Before that time, Lorenzo had not considered the thought of being a martyr for Christ. He and the other men were all condemned to death for refusing to give up their faith. It is considered that Lorenzo was taken up Nagasaki Hill on the date of September 28 or 29 in 1637. After two days of cruel agony, he died from his injuries. His remains were burned, and his ashes were thrown into the sea.
The Miracle: There was a young girl named Cecilia Alegria Policarpio of Calinog, Iloilo, Philippines, who was diagnosed shortly after birth with brain atrophy and hydrocephalus. She was treated at East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. At the age of two, after her family and supporters prayed to Lorenzo for his intercession, she was miraculously cured in October 1983. Pope John Paul canonized Lorenzo, the first Filipino Saint, on October 18, 1987, during his papal visit to the Philippines. It was the first beatification ceremony to be held outside the Vatican in history. His feast, along with the other martyrs, is celebrated on September 28.
The Filipino-Americans of Holy Family (FAHF) have chosen San Lorenzo Ruiz as their ministry’s patron.
SAN LORENZO NOVENA
O Most Merciful and Almighty God. You bestowed as gift to St. Lorenzo Ruiz the strength to withstand the overpowering forces of death for the sake of his faith in You.
Through his prayers, help us to follow his example by overcoming all life’s trials and eventually increase our hope and love in You.
O St. Lorenzo Ruiz. You brought honor to your country, Philippines. Having been a level headed and prudent father of the family, a witness of Christ in your life until your death.
We present all our petitions to God through your intercession (mention here silently), so that our actions may know more and love more. Jesus our Lord and our Savior, please hear our petition. Amen!
