Saint Lorenzo Ruiz celebrated in Jerusalem

The San Lorenzo Ruiz Community (SLRC) celebrated the feast day of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Ratisbonne Monastery, Jerusalem. Saint Lorenzo, the first Filipino saint, was martyred and his feast is on September 28.

The community commemorated the saint with creative liturgy throughout the whole month of September. Each theme was in accordance with the Gospel on Sunday and this aimed to deepen understanding of how Saint Lorenzo engaged in the fight for his faith. The first Sunday had as its theme, “Love me and leave me” and the parishioners were asked to write the attitudes they love and emphasize attitudes that hinder in being a good servant. Symbolic burning of the papers followed. On September 11, the second Sunday, had as its theme “Embrace of love”. Parishioners gave heart-shapes to the people who have hurt them and whom they have hurt, symbolizing forgiveness. In the absence of the person, the priest served as the representative. The last theme, on the third Sunday of September, was “Solo Dios Basta” (God is enough). We played the five-minute life-story of Saint Lorenzo, quoting his famous line, “If I had a thousand lives to offer, I would still offer them to the Lord.” In every theme, there was a short deepening meditation of the priest.

The last Sunday of September was the big feast for Saint Lorenzo with the theme, “Saint Lorenzo, model of genuine Love for God and neighbor”. The main part of the event was the Eucharistic celebration, with Father Rufino Dango, CP as preside, con-celebrated by priests of different congregations, the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Passionist Fathers and the Franciscans. Different congregations of women religious from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Tel Aviv and Tabgha were also present.

We were also graced by the presence of the Filipino ambassador to Israel, Neal Imperiale as our keynote speaker and Father Andrew Wong SDB gave an inspirational talk. This was followed by a cultural program, in which different religious and civic organizations participated showing Filipino folk dances and songs. The last part was the festive lunch brought by different communities and good-hearted people. It was indeed a successful and blessed feast and family day! Viva San Lorenzo Ruiz!