PCG Celebrates Filipino Saint’s Feast Day with Filipino Communities in Vancouver

Above Left: Statues of Images of San Pedro Calungsod and San Lorenzo de Manila on a decorated platform at St. Patrick’s Parish. Above Right: An image of San Lorenzo Ruiz on procession as the Holy Trinity Parish Choir sings the eponymous hymn written in his honor.

21 OCTOBER 2024, Vancouver, BC – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver joined the celebrations mounted by two Filipino communities in commemorating the life and martyrdom of Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino to be ever canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church on 28 September 2024. Simultaneous celebrations were held by members of St. Patrick’s Parish at Main St. in Vancouver and the Holy Trinity Parish along Lonsdale Ave. in North Vancouver, each of which was attended by Consul Analyn Ratonel and Vice Consul Marco Harder, respectively.

St. Patrick’s Parish: Keeping the flame of faith and heritage alive

 Left: Reverend Jaroslaw Dziuba, SDS, Pastor of Saint Patrick’s Parish, Vancouver blesses the community.

The celebration at St. Patrick’s parish commenced with a solemn Mass presided by the parish’s pastor, Reverend Jaroslaw Dziuba, SDS, followed by a procession of the statues.  The event was mounted

to celebrate both the lives of Saints Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod.

In her remarks, Consul Analyn D. Ratonel, Acting Head of Post, honored the lives and legacies of the two Filipino saints and encouraged the community to draw inspiration from their sacrifices, to live lives of integrity, courage, and compassion—values that are very much needed in the world today.  She further expressed deep gratitude to everyone for keeping the flame of faith alive and for their dedication to celebrate the rich heritage of the Filipino nation.

A lively cultural presentation capped the night delighting the audience with songs and traditional Filipino folk dances. Reverend Jaroslaw Dziuba concluded the festivities with a blessing and a message inspiring the Filipino-Canadian community to emulate the faith of the two Filipino saints in their everyday lives.  The celebration was well-attended, largely due to the commitment of St. Patrick’s parish community, whose membership boasts of being composed of about 80% Filipino.

Above: Consul Analyn Ratonel, Acting Head of Post, with visiting priest Reverend Josef Kobos, a parishioner, and Parish Pastor Reverend Dziuba.

Holy Trinity Parish: The living miracle of solidarity and community

 Right: About 150 people attended Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’ feast day at Holy Trinity Parish in North Vancouver.

On the same afternoon, Vice Consul Marco Harder joined the Holy Trinity Parish community in North Vancouver to celebrate Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’ feast day.

Rev. Lucio Choi, Holy Trinity Parish’s pastor, opened the celebration with a blessing of the community and a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to come together on Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’ feast day. Attendees were treated to performances of Filipino dance traditions from various regions as they partook in a buffet featuring classic Filipino fare.

In his remarks, Vice Consul Marco Harder emphasized that the celebration of the first Filipino saint’s life and martyrdom by Filipino communities abroad is special, as it strengthens our sense of solidarity and community as a people. He also encouraged attendees to meditate on the continuing miracle of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: the miracle of bringing together overseas Filipinos to commune, connect, and come together as one nation and one people.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (1594-1637) was a Filipino Catholic who was martyred in Japan for refusing to renounce his faith. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1981. He is venerated as a patron saint by overseas Filipino workers, among others. END

L-R: Rev. Lucio Choi, Holy Trinity Parish Pastor, Vice Consul Marco Harder, Rev. Cannio Cardozo, OCD, and Rev. Jeevan Prakash Dalmeda Peter, OCD.