Saint's Footprints

September 28 is the Feast day of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and his companions, the Dominican priests. They were canonized martyr saints in 1987.  St. Lorenzo is the first Filipino canonized saint. He was born in Binondo, Manila, married and with 3 kids (2 girls and 1 boy). He served in Binondo parish as sacristan and escribiente; and had learned the doctrines of faith under the guidance of the Dominicans. Records show that he fled for his life because he was suspected for a crime. He joined the Dominican missionary priests as they sailed to Nagasaki, Japan. It was there that they suffered inhuman tortures until death for the sake of their faith in Christ.  St. Lorenzo was hanged upside down, with half of his body buried underground. And before he died, his executioners asked: "If we grant you life, will you renounce your faith?" Lorenzo answered without hesitation: "That I will never do, because I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do as you please."

CHALLENGE
St. Lorenzo was willing to offer a thousand lives if he has them for the sake of Christ. What a shame when we cannot offer a little sacrifice or renounce a single, little thing for the sake of Christ.  

WALK WITH THE LORD

Lord Jesus, St. Lorenzo Ruiz gave us the example of fortitude and commitment to the faith even in the midst tortures. As I walk daily, experiencing the tortures of pressures and problems, may I never bargain or compromise my faith in You. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
"Through Christ you have been granted not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him." (Philippinas 1:29)