Filipinos celebrate Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in Jerusalem


Filipino migrant workers gathered in Jerusalem on September 25, 2011 in order to celebrate the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz. The mass was celebrated by H.E. Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali of the Latin Patriarchate.

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A full day program, organized by the Filipino Chaplaincy in Israel, brought together many Filipino migrant workers in the Jerusalem area in a celebration in honor of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, a Filipino martyr in the 17th century, canonized by Pope John Paul II, whose feast day is on September 28. The day was held at the Salesian theological center (Ratisbonne) in the center of West Jerusalem.

After a procession through the streets of central Jerusalem, a festive mass was celebrated by Latin Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali, who was assisted by the priests of the Filipino chaplaincy, including the chaplain Father Angelo Ison OFM and his assistant, Father Ric Fernando SDB, as well as Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew speaking Catholics and Coordinator of the Pastoral for Migrants, Father David Neuhaus. Bishop Shomali, in his homily, stressed that the Filipino migrants are the face of Christ and the Church within the Jewish Israeli society in which they work and that Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is indeed a model for them of courage and fidelity.

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Following the mass, those present transferred to the basket ball field for a full program that included speeches by the chaplains and a key note address by the new Filipino Ambassador to Israel. There were musical and dance presentations by different Filipino communities from around Israel as well as a wonderful repertoire of songs sung by a group of Filipino children. The life of the saint was retold and enacted so that all could be inspired by him, called by the Filipino ambassador "the first Filipino foreign worker" because he ended his life in Japan, where he was executed.

The program continued with a sumptious lunch, shared by all and more activities in the afternoon, including sport, games and more songs.

The day was an expression of the faith, devotion and joy of the Filipino community in Israel, who now number around 41 000. They are an inspiring part of our Church in the Holy Land.

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