A listing of prayers and devotions to the many saints of the Catholic Church for their powerful prayers and intercession. As Catholics, we believe in the intercession of the saints, who readily pray and assist us from Heaven.
The “Prayer of St. Mary of Egypt” is a deeply moving prayer of repentance drawn from the life of one of the Church’s most remarkable penitent saints.
In the 7th century, St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, recorded the extraordinary story of Mary — a woman who lived a life of grave sin for seventeen years before experiencing a powerful conversion at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Unable to enter the church by a mysterious force, Mary cried out to the Blessed Virgin Mary before her icon, begging for help and promising to renounce her sinful life forever. Through Our Lady’s intercession, she was allowed to enter, and from that moment she spent the remaining forty-seven years of her life in the desert in prayer and penance.
[Prayer video will be available on Monday, February 23, 2026]
O Lady, Mother of God, who gave birth in the flesh to God the Word, I know, O how well I know, that it is no honor or praise to thee when one so impure and unworthy as I call upon thy holy name, O ever-virgin, who didst keep thy body and soul in purity. Rightly do I inspire reproach and unworthiness before thy virginal purity. But I have heard that God, Who was born of thee, became man on purpose to call sinners to repentance. Then help me, for I have no other help. Allow me to draw near to thy Son, Who suffered in the flesh and shed His holy Blood for the redemption of sinners and for me, unworthy as I am.
O loving Lady, thou hast shown me thy great love for all men. Glory to God, Who receives the repentance of sinners through thee. What more can I recollect or say, I who am so sinful? It is time for me, O Lady, to turn from my sins and follow thy Son. Now lead me by the hand along the path of repentance. Amen.
This ancient prayer has been prayed every Lent for over 1,600 years. It is attributed to St. Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306–373), a 4th century Doctor of the Church known as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” His Lenten prayer asks God to free us from the spiritual diseases that keep us from Him — sloth, despair, the desire for power, and idle talk — and to fill us instead with wholeness of mind, humility, patience, and love. It closes with what many consider the heart of all Lenten repentance: the grace to see our own sins and to stop judging others.
The “Novena to St. Stephen” honors the first Christian martyr who forgave his persecutors even as they stoned him to death. This powerful nine-day prayer seeks St. Stephen’s intercession for the grace to forgive enemies, courage in times of trial, and strength to boldly witness to the faith. Traditionally prayed before his feast day on December 26th, this novena is especially meaningful for those facing persecution, struggling to forgive others, or needing courage to stand firm in their faith.
O Blessed St. Stephen, first martyr for Christ and model of perfect forgiveness, we come before you seeking your powerful intercession. You who gazed into Heaven and saw the glory of God, help us to fix our eyes always on eternal things.
O Courageous St. Stephen, you were chosen by the Apostles as a deacon filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. You preached the Gospel fearlessly and performed great miracles among the people. When faced with persecution, your face shone like an angel, and you forgave those who took your life, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy St. Stephen, obtain for us a living faith that trusts in God’s providence, wisdom to speak His truth with charity, courage to witness to Christ in times of trial, and above all, the grace to forgive those who wrong us. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven as you did, seeing beyond our present sufferings to the glory that awaits God’s faithful servants.
We ask you to intercede for us in our present needs:
(State your intention)
Pray that we may imitate your virtues – your service to the poor, your zeal for God’s house, your love of truth, and your complete forgiveness of enemies.
At the hour of our death, may we, like you, commend our spirits into the hands of the Lord Jesus and receive the crown of glory promised to those who persevere in faith. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, You gave St. Stephen the strength to forgive his murderers and the grace to see Heaven opened at the moment of his death. Through his intercession, fill our hearts with Your divine love, that we may love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who persecute us. Grant us the favor we seek in this novena if it be according to Your holy will, and help us to follow You faithfully all the days of our lives. We ask this in Your Most Holy Name. Amen.
The Novena to St. Lucy honors the virgin martyr of Syracuse, Sicily, patron saint of the blind and those with eye problems. According to tradition, her eyes were miraculously restored after being gouged out during her martyrdom, making her a powerful intercessor for both physical and spiritual sight. This nine-day prayer asks St. Lucy to obtain grace for clear vision of body and soul, protection from spiritual blindness, and the proper use of our sight for God’s glory.
The novena is traditionally prayed December 4-12, ending on the eve of her feast day, December 13.
O St. Lucy, whose name proclaims the radiance of light, we approach you with humble confidence to seek your holy intercession. Obtain for us, through your prayers, that sacred illumination which guides our souls away from the shadows of sin and leads us toward the brightness of virtue.
Obtain for us also these petitions which we offer to you in this novena:
[Mention your petitions now]
We beseech you, St. Lucy, through your powerful advocacy before the throne of the Lamb, the protection of our eye sight, and for the grace to employ our eyes always in service of God’s glory and never for that which offends His divine majesty.
Help us to perceive with clarity the truths of our faith and the needs of our neighbor, that we may walk steadfastly in the light of Christ and labor earnestly for the salvation of souls.
Pray for us, St. Lucy, that having honored you as our advocate in this earthly pilgrimage, we may one day behold with you the eternal splendor of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose divine light all shadows flee away forever. Amen.
The “Prayer to St. Christopher for Safe Travels” asks St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, to protect and guide those on physical and spiritual journeys. According to tradition, St. Christopher carried a child revealed to be Christ across a river, which led to his association with travelers. Commonly said by drivers, commuters, and other travelers, the prayer reflects our Catholic belief in the intercession of the saints.
O Blessed St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers, stand guard over all who are traveling this day. As your strong arms carried pilgrims through raging torrents, carry us all safely through every mile of our journeys.
We ask for your prayers, and we entrust to your care all travelers:
those navigating busy highways, guard them from distracted drivers and treacherous conditions;
those soaring through the skies, assist their pilots and ensure the safety of their flights;
those crossing the vast seas, watch over them through troubled waters and guide them to safe harbors; and
those who journey on foot or by cycle, shield them from danger and guide them along their way.
Shield us from mechanical failures, dangerous weather, and anyone who might wish us harm. Guide us through all perils, see us through any obstacles in our way, and make smooth any rough places in our paths.
St. Christopher, holy protector of travelers, as you discovered Our Lord in humble service, help us to see His presence in our journeys. May our travels be blessed, our arrivals peaceful, and our safe return home assured.
The “Prayer to St. Peregrine” is a powerful prayer invoking the intercession of St. Peregrine, the patron saint of those suffering from cancer and incurable diseases, who himself was miraculously healed by Christ after enduring years of affliction. The prayer recalls his extraordinary vision of Jesus reaching down from the cross to touch and heal him, offering hope to all who face similar trials.
Through this devotion, we ask St. Peregrine to extend his compassionate intercession to ourselves and our loved ones who battle illness, trusting in his proven ability to obtain miracles from God.
The prayer includes a moment to name specific individuals in need of healing, making this personal petition even more meaningful. We conclude by asking for the grace to be truly grateful for every blessing received through St. Peregrine’s powerful advocacy before the throne of God.
We honor you, St. Peregrine, as a mighty wonder worker, because of the miracles obtained through your intercession for those who have had recourse to your kind and powerful prayers.
For many years, you were afflicted with the same cancerous disease from which thousands now suffer. When the power of man could do no more, you were favored with a vision of Jesus leaning down from His cross, touching and healing you.
Trusting in your compassion and readiness to help, we request your prayerful support for ourselves, and for our sick relatives and friends…
[Mention the names of those you are praying for now]
May the gracious blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, descend upon all the sick. May it be accomplished by the complete cure for which we desire and pray.
Intercede for us all, St. Peregrine, that we may be sincerely grateful for every healing, every favor, and every grace from our Lord, Who is ever glorified in His saints. Amen.
The “Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory” is a nine-day prayer devotion to assist those who have passed on in their journey toward heaven. By dedicating nine days to prayer, we can ease the purification of these souls and help them attain the eternal joy of God’s presence. This act of spiritual charity not only benefits the departed but also deepens our own faith and reminds us of the communion of saints. Participating in this novena allows us to express love beyond earthly boundaries and to play a role in the divine mercy that leads souls to their heavenly home.
First Day – Meditation [Prayer Video for Day 1] Manifold are the sufferings which these Blessed Souls must endure, but the greatest of all is the reflection that their sins in life are the cause of their present torments.
First Day – Prayer O Jesus, my Savior, I have so often deserved to be cast into Hell; how great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I, myself, had caused my damnation! I thank Thee for the patience which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I would rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance; have pity on me, and at the same time on those Blessed Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 2
Second Day – Meditation [Pray Video for Day 2] The second pain which causes these Holy Souls much suffering is the time lost in life when they might have gained merits for Heaven; and the thought that they were unable to repair this loss, because the time of life and merit is passed.
Second Day – Prayer Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but Hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 3
Third Day – Meditation[Prayer Video for Day 3] Another great pain of the Holy Souls is caused by the hideous vision of their guilt, for which they now suffer. In this life the hideousness of sin is not seen as in the life to come; and this is one of the greatest sufferings in Purgatory.
Third Day – Prayer O my God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 4
Fourth Day – Meditation[Pray video for Day 4] The pain that afflicts these Holy Souls most, the spouses of Jesus, is the thought of having, during life, by their sins, displeased God, Whom they so ardently love. Some penitents have felt so much pain and sorrow in thinking of their offenses, that they died of grief. The Souls in Purgatory understand far better than we do the claim that God has to our love; they love Him with all their strength. Hence, at the thought of having offended Him during life, they experience pain that surpasses all other pain. Fourth Day – Prayer O my God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I would rather die than ever offend Thee again. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those Holy Souls that burn in the cleansing fire and who love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 5
Fifth Day – Meditation[Pray video for Day 5] Another great suffering of these Holy Souls is their ignorance of the hour of their deliverance from Purgatory. Though they are certain of being released one day, the uncertainty of the hour of when their Purgatorial term will end gives them great pain.
Fifth Day – Prayer Woe to me, miserable being, if Thou, O Lord, shall cast me into eternal Hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God, and I am sincerely sorry for having ever offended Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 6
Sixth Day – Meditation[Prayer video for Day 6] The Holy Souls are, indeed, comforted by the recollection of the Passion of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Sacrament of the Altar, since they know they are saved by the Passion of Jesus Christ, and have received, and still receive, so much consolation from Holy Masses and Holy Communions. Nevertheless, they are greatly pained by the recollection of their ingratitude for these two great gifts of the love of Jesus Christ.
Sixth Day – Prayer O my Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offenses against Thee than at any other evil. I would rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 7
Seventh Day – Meditation[Prayer video for Day 7] A further great sorrow of these Holy Souls consists in their ardent desire for the Beatific Vision. Slowly and painfully the moments of their Purgatorial imprisonment pass by; for they love God deeply, and desire to be delivered from their sad state in order to praise Him forever.
Seventh Day – Prayer O God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this, their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, art now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 8
Eighth Day – Meditation[Prayer video for Day 8] Another bitter sorrow of these Souls is caused by their reflection that God had bestowed upon them so many graces not granted to others, and that they compelled Him, by their sins, to condemn them to these sufferings. they had deserved Hell, but were pardoned and saved only by the mercy of God. Eighth Day – Prayer O my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so many graces, and yet despised Thy love; and deserve to be cast by Thee into Hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Novena for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Day 9
Ninth Day – Meditation[Prayer video for Day 9] Great are all the sufferings of the Holy Souls in Purgatory: the fire, the grief, the darkness; the uncertainty of the time of their deliverance from prison. but the greatest of all these sorrows is this: that these Holy Souls are separated from their Divine Spouse, and deprived of His Beatific Vision.
Ninth Day – Prayer O my God! how was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate these sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in Heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession. And pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.
[Go to Closing Prayers]
Closing Prayers
Pray one Our Father and one Hail Mary; then continue below.
On Thy Spouses have compassion, on these suffering children Thine; Make these Holy Souls partakers of Thy happiness Divine.
Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Souls in Purgatory O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
[As you pray for the Holy Souls in purgatory, you can also request that they pray for you. Mention the favor you hope to obtain from God during this novena through their intercession.]
Blessed Souls, we have prayed for thee; we entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for us miserable sinners, who are in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen
Out of the Depths Prayer (De Profundis) (Carries a partial indulgence) Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication: If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered. I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word. My soul waits for the Lord, more than sentinels wait for the dawn. More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord; For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption; And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
From announcing the Messiah to silencing doubters—St. Gabriel’s biblical encounters reveal God’s most crucial messages. Discover how this mighty archangel has played a part in God’s plan of salvation.
Imagine standing in the presence of an angel so powerful that his very name means “Strength of God,” yet gentle enough to approach a young virgin with the most extraordinary request in human history.
St. Gabriel the Archangel has appeared at the most critical moments when heaven needed to communicate with earth—from delivering prophecies that would unfold across centuries to announcing the coming of the Messiah himself.
In a world where messages are fleeting and often meaningless, Gabriel’s words have echoed through millennia, reshaping the destiny of all humanity with just a few carefully chosen phrases that continue to transform hearts today.
St. Gabriel in Sacred Scripture
The Archangel Gabriel appears in several crucial passages throughout the Bible, each time bringing messages of profound importance from the Almighty.
In the Book of Daniel, Gabriel serves as interpreter of visions and prophecies. When Daniel struggles to understand his mystical experiences, Gabriel appears to provide clarity and insight. Gabriel explains the vision of the ram and the goat (Daniel 8:16-26), while later he delivers the famous prophecy of the seventy weeks (Daniel 9:21-27).
Perhaps Gabriel’s most celebrated biblical appearance occurs in the Gospel of Luke during the Annunciation. Gabriel is sent by God to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth with the earth-shattering announcement that she has been chosen to bear the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). The angel’s greeting, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” marks the beginning of the Incarnation.
Earlier in Luke’s Gospel, Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the Temple, announcing the miraculous conception of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20). When Zechariah doubts due to his and Elizabeth’s advanced age, Gabriel identifies himself by name and temporarily removes Zechariah’s ability to speak as a sign of God’s power.
These scriptural accounts reveal Gabriel as God’s chosen instrument for announcing the most significant events in salvation history.
The Catholic Church’s Veneration of St. Gabriel
In Catholic theology, Gabriel holds the distinction of being one of only three angels specifically named in the canonical books of the Bible, alongside St. Michael and St. Raphael.
Pope Pius XII had a particular devotion to St. Gabriel and officially declared him the patron saint of telecommunications workers, postal workers, radio broadcasters, and messengers in 1951. This patronage reflects his connection to communication and the spreading of divine truth.
St. Gabriel’s Continuing Relevance
For Catholics today, St. Gabriel represents the importance of being open to God’s will, even when it seems impossible or overwhelming. Mary’s “yes” to Gabriel’s message serves as the perfect model of faith and surrender to divine providence.
St. Gabriel reminds us that the most important messages come from God. His intercession is sought by those in communications fields, but also by any Catholic seeking to be a faithful messenger of God’s love and truth in their daily lives.
We invite you to join us in saying a Prayer to St. Gabriel by clicking on the link below, or by visit our website or YouTube channel. As we honor this heavenly messenger, let us remember that God still sends His messengers among us even today, calling us to participate in His ongoing work of redemption and love.
The “Prayer to St. Gabriel the Archangel“ venerates St. Gabriel as the “Angel of the Incarnation” for his role in announcing Christ’s birth to Mary and as “strength from God” for his mission to console and strengthen the faithful. It recognizes him as a powerful consoler who strengthened Christ in His agony, comforted Mary in her sorrows, and supported Joseph in his trials, and asks St. Gabriel for his intercession for spiritual strength and holiness of life. The devotion includes space for personal petitions and emphasizes submission to God’s holy will.
St. Gabriel the Archangel, I venerate you as the “Angel of the Incarnation,” because God has specially appointed you to bear the messages concerning the God-Man to Daniel, Zechariah, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Give me a very tender and devoted love for the Incarnate Word and his Blessed Mother more like your own.
I venerate you also as the “strength from God,” because you are the giver of God’s strength; consoler and comforter – chosen to strengthen God’s faithful and to teach them important truths. I ask for the grace of a special power of the will to strive for holiness of life.
Steady my resolutions. Renew my courage. Comfort and console me in the problems, trials, and sufferings of daily living, as you consoled our Savior in His agony, and Mary in her sorrows, and Joseph in his trials. I put my confidence in you.
St. Gabriel, I ask you especially for this favor:
(Mention your petition now)
Through your earnest love for the Son of God-Made-Man and for His blessed Mother, I beg of you, intercede for me that my request may be granted, if it be God’s holy Will.
V:/ Pray for us, St. Gabriel the Archangel, R:/ that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Discover the inspiring story of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint who chose martyrdom over denying Christ. From family man to fearless witness – learn how this ordinary Catholic became an extraordinary saint through unwavering faith under brutal persecution in 17th century Japan.
Suspended upside down over a pit of rotting corpses and human waste, his body wracked with pain from days of brutal torture, St. Lorenzo Ruiz faced a simple choice: deny Christ and live, or maintain his faith and die.
“I am a Christian,” he declared through bloodied lips, “and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them.”
With those words, this ordinary Filipino father became the first saint of his nation and one of history’s most powerful witnesses to unshakeable faith.
Early Life in Spanish Manila
Lorenzo Ruiz was born around 1594 in Binondo, Manila, during the early years of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. His mixed heritage reflected the cultural diversity of his time – his father was Chinese, likely a trader who had settled in the Philippines, while his mother was a native Filipino woman. This multicultural background would later influence his ability to serve as a bridge between different communities.
Growing up in the shadow of the Dominican church in Binondo, Lorenzo received his education from the Dominican friars. He learned to read and write in both Spanish and Tagalog, skills that were relatively rare among the native population at the time. More importantly, he was raised in the Catholic faith, which became the cornerstone of his identity.
As a young man, Lorenzo married a Filipino woman named Rosario, and together they were blessed with three children – two sons and a daughter. He worked as a calligrapher and notary for the Dominican convent, using his literacy skills to serve the Church and his community. By all accounts, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and active member of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.
The Fateful Decision
In 1636, Lorenzo’s peaceful life shattered when he was falsely accused of murder involving a Spanish official. Facing almost certain execution under colonial justice, he accepted an invitation from Dominican missionaries to join their mission to Japan – seeing it as both escape and service to God.
Lorenzo departed Manila in June 1636 with three Dominican priests (Antonio González, Guillermo Courtét, Miguel de Aozaraza) and a Japanese priest (Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz). What he may not have fully grasped was that Japan had become the world’s most dangerous place for Christians, as the Tokugawa shogunate waged a systematic campaign to eradicate Christianity entirely.
Capture and Ultimate Sacrifice
Within months, Lorenzo and his companions were betrayed and captured, then taken to Nagasaki for interrogation. Authorities offered the standard choice: renounce Christianity or die. For Lorenzo, who had left behind a wife and children, this decision carried profound weight. Yet his response was unwavering – he would not abandon his Catholic faith.
The torture Lorenzo endured included being hung upside down over a pit filled with excrement and corpses – the “tsurushi” method designed for maximum suffering. Throughout days of brutal torment, witnesses reported he continued praying and encouraging fellow prisoners.
On September 29, 1637, Lorenzo died from his wounds, his final words a prayer: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” He was 43 years old.
Lorenzo’s story demonstrates that sanctity flourishes in ordinary laypeople living their faith authentically. His willingness to leave family when falsely accused shows how God brings good from difficult circumstances. His steadfast faith under extreme torture exemplifies the total commitment Christ calls from his followers.
Lorenzo Ruiz’s multicultural background – Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish – makes him particularly relevant for our globalized world, serving as patron for immigrants, mixed families, and all navigating between cultures while maintaining Catholic identity.
A Saint for Our Time
St. Lorenzo Ruiz is patron saint of the Philippines, Filipino immigrants, and those facing false accusations. His feast day, September 28, is celebrated worldwide by Filipino communities.
In our modern world where religious persecution continues, Lorenzo’s witness challenges comfortable Christians to examine their faith’s depth. For Filipino Catholics, he represents the integration of indigenous values with Christian faith and the courage to stand for truth regardless of cost.
We invite you in joining us in praying the Prayer to St. Lorenzo Ruiz by clicking the link below. May this ordinary man, who was faced with extraordinary circumstances but chose faithfulness to Christ unto death, inspire Catholics worldwide to live their faith with courage, integrity, and unwavering trust in God’s providence.
