A Testament of Hope: The Story of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish
Our parish, San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs, stands as a beacon of faith, a testament to the unwavering spirit of community, and a symbol of hope born from humble beginnings. Our story began in 1975 with the Dagat-dagatan Housing Project, a relocation effort that brought families from Tondo to Navotas. From these roots, a seed of faith was planted, initially dedicated to Blessed Lorenzo Ruiz, and later, with the blessing of Cardinal Jaime Sin, also to the Santo Niño as its second Patron.
In 1982, our parish was officially established, with Rev. Fr. Edgardo Merin leading the construction of our first, simple wooden church. This modest structure served as a sanctuary where the community could gather in prayer and fellowship. In 1985, the Dominican Order assumed pastoral care, with Fr. Reynaldo Adalid, OP, becoming our new parish priest. A pivotal moment arrived in 1987 with the canonization of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions. Our parish proudly adopted their names, becoming the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish, forever linking our community to the first Filipino saint.
Time and challenges tested our resolve. By 2005, flooding threatened our beloved church. Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Allan V. Lopez, OP, and his Dominican community, and with the generous support of parishioners, friends, donors, and benefactors both here and abroad, a new vision took shape – the construction of the present elevated church. Professor Mary Ann Venturina Bulanadi of the UST College of Architecture designed our beautiful cruciform church, a symbol of our enduring faith. On September 24, 2011, this magnificent structure was solemnly dedicated and consecrated by His Excellency Bp. Deogracias S. Iniguez Jr., DD., a momentous occasion for our entire community.
Our story continues with the construction of the “Bahay Pari,” a new home for our parish priests. After 25 years since the cornerstone laying of the old Bahay Pari in July 16, 1989, the groundbreaking for the present Bahay Pari took place on April 7, 2014, and was completed and blessed on March 9, 2015, during the term of Fr. Patrick Hiwatig, OP. This new building stands as another symbol of growth and progress, a place where our priests can continue to serve and guide our parish.
The journey of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish is a story of resilience, generosity, and unwavering faith. It is a story written by the hands of many, a story that continues to unfold with each passing day. We invite you to join us as we continue to build our community, to deepen our faith, and to live out the legacy of our patron saints in this Jubilee Year of Hope.
San Lorenzo Ruiz
San Lorenzo Ruiz was born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both of whom are Catholics. He, as a young boy, learned the way of speaking Chinese and Tagalog from his parents, and Spanish, from the Dominican Friars, whom he served for as a sacristan. He became a professional calligrapher later on, in order to earn a living for his wife and children (2 sons, 1 daughter). He was active in regards to Church programs, as he was a member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary.
As he continued to be involved with the Dominicans in Binondo, he was blamed of murdering a Spaniard. This accusation forced him to seek asylum; he half–heartedly left the country with three Dominican priests, namely Blessed Antonio Gonzales; Blessed Guillermo Courtet; and Blessed Miguel de Aozarara; a Japanese priest, Blessed Vicente Shimozuka de la Cruz; and a layman, Blessed Lazaro of Kyoto, Japan.
The group headed for Japan, a country that does not tolerate Christianity back then, to provide catechism for the Japanese townsfolk in Okinawa. But soon after they set their feet in Japan, they were abducted, taken to Nagasaki where they were inhumanely tortured.
In the face of suffering, San Lorenzo was given a chance to live in exchange for his renouncement of faith. He was tempted to accept the bargain, but afterwards, he remained firm, to the point of saying “if I have a thousand lives, I’ll lay them to God”. This arrogance infuriated the Japanese abductors, prompting them to kill San Lorenzo slowly and brutally.
San Lorenzo Ruiz is a great reminder of how man should live his everyday life. Man should live his given life dedicated to the one who gave it.
He was beatified and canonized by Pope John Paul II. San Lorenzo Ruiz is the first Filipino saint.
MASSES
Daily Masses (Monday to Saturday) – two masses
First Friday of the Month – three masses
De los Remedios Masses –Wednesdays at 6: 00 PM and Fridays at 7: 00 PM
Healing Masses – every Friday at 6: 00 AM and 6: 00 PM
Sunday Masses – nine masses
Street Masses/ Area Masses – every Tuesday and Thursday
Company Masses – every first Friday or by appointment
Funeral Masses/ Blessings – by appointment
BAPTISM
Every Sunday at 11: 00 AM or by appointment
CONFESSION
After the Friday Mass (First Friday Confession is at 8: 00 PM)
MATRIMONY
By appointment or Mass Wedding (second Saturday of February or Saturday before the Fiesta Day)
Coming Soon
- (8) 351 – 0886
- [email protected]
- https://www.facebook.com/slrcmp
San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish
Established: June 21, 1982
Fiesta Day: September 28
Address: Phase 1–C, Dagat – dagatan, Kaunlaran Village, Navotas City
Parish Priest/Rector: Rev. Fr. Franklin F. Beltran, OP
San Lorenzo Ruiz
San Lorenzo Ruiz was born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both of whom are Catholics. He, as a young boy, learned the way of speaking Chinese and Tagalog from his parents, and Spanish, from the Dominican Friars, whom he served for as a sacristan. He became a professional calligrapher later on, in order to earn a living for his wife and children (2 sons, 1 daughter). He was active in regards to Church programs, as he was a member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary.