Many of us in the younger generation today admire or practice the art of calligraphy.
Yet, only a few know that the first Filipino saint was himself a master of penmanship.
During his youth, Lorenzo learned Spanish from Dominican priests, whom he served as an altar boy and sacristan. Gifted with exceptionally beautiful penmanship, he became a professional calligrapher and earned the official title of escribano, transcribing baptismal, confirmation, and marriage documents into the Church’s official books.
Unlike many saints who were priests or religious brothers, Lorenzo was a married layman with three children. He lived a simple, devoted life in Binondo, Manila, using his calligraphy skills as a honest trade to sustain his family’s needs.
However, his peaceful earthly life took an unexpected turn. While working as a clerk for Binondo Church, Lorenzo was falsely accused of killing a Spaniard. Fearing an unfair trial, he sought asylum aboard a ship bound for Japan with the help of three Dominican priests.
Instead of safety, he arrived in Tokugawa-era Japan during a time of intense anti-Christian persecution. After two years, Lorenzo and his companions were arrested and transferred to Nagasaki to face trial by torture.
On September 27, 1637, they were taken to Nishizaka Hill, where they endured horrific sufferings, including water torture and being suspended upside down in a pit (ana-tsuri).
Refusing to renounce his faith despite the agonizing pain, Lorenzo delivered his famous, heroic declaration.
“I am a Catholic,” he said, “and I wholeheartedly accept death for God. If I had a thousand lives, I would offer them all to Him.”
On September 28, 1637, he was martyred.
Lorenzo was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1987 alongside 15 other martyrs; Spanish, Italian, French, and Japanese priests, religious, and laypeople who gave their lives for the Gospel between 1633 and 1637.
Together, they are remembered as San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions.
Their feast day is celebrated every September 28 across both the Philippines and Nagasaki, Japan; uniting two nations in honoring a shared history of faith, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice.
The life of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz reminds us that holiness is found in the everyday choices of daily life; in our daily work, our love for our families, and our quiet fidelity.
When life places us in unexpected trials, his courage inspires us to stand firm in our convictions, trusting that no sacrifice made out of love for God is ever in vain.
San Lorenzo Ruiz and companions, pray for us!