FEAST OF SAINTS LAWRENCE RUIZ & CO, MARTYRS & ST WENCESLAUS, MARTYR.
THE GOODNEWS:
"An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
"Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.”
Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9: 46 - 50).
Monday 28th September 2026 in the 26th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Lawrence Ruiz and Companion Martyrs.
Today is also the feast of St Wenceslaus, Martyr.
St. Lawrence Ruiz, also known as Lorenzo Ruiz, was born in Manila around 1600 to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. Raised in the Catholic faith, he served the Dominicans as an altar boy and became a skilled calligrapher. He married and had three children. His life was rooted in family, work, and prayer—an ordinary life that would lead to an extraordinary witness.
After being accused in connection with a killing, Lawrence sought refuge with Dominican missionaries leaving for Japan.
He did not know their destination until they were at sea. Christianity was being violently persecuted there, and the group was soon arrested and taken to Nagasaki.
Under torture, Lawrence faced a terrible choice: renounce Christ or remain faithful at the cost of his life. He persevered and died a martyr in 1637.
The fifteen companions remembered with him were martyred in and around Nagasaki between 1633 and 1637. They included priests, laypeople, and women of the Dominican Third Order, from both Asia and Europe.
Their shared witness reminds us that holiness belongs to no single nation or way of life.
Pope St. John Paul II canonized the sixteen martyrs in 1987, making Lawrence the first canonized Filipino saint.
Lawrence’s courage did not mean he never felt fear. His story speaks to anyone who must choose fidelity amid uncertainty: grace can strengthen an ordinary person, one decision at a time. As we remember him and his companions, we pray for Christians facing persecution and for the courage to live our faith with steadfast love in daily life.
St. Wenceslaus was born around 907 into the ruling family of Bohemia, in what is now the Czech Republic. His grandmother, St. Ludmila, taught him the Christian faith and helped shape the compassion that would later mark his leadership. After his father died, struggles over religion and power divided the family. Ludmila was murdered, and Wenceslaus eventually became duke.
As ruler, Wenceslaus supported the Church, encouraged the spread of Christianity, and sought peace amid political conflict.
He was remembered for prayer, humility, and care for people in need.
His decisions, however, angered opponents who resisted his religious and political policies.
His younger brother, Boleslaus, joined a plot against him.
On September 28, traditionally dated to 935, Wenceslaus was attacked and killed as he went to church at Stará Boleslav. Though political rivalry played a part in his death, Christians honored him as a martyr because his faith had guided the life and leadership that made him a target.
He became the patron saint of Bohemia.
Wenceslaus is sometimes called “Good King Wenceslaus,”
though he was a duke, not a king. His life reminds us that faith is not confined to private devotion: it can shape how we use authority, pursue peace, and serve others, even when doing so comes at a cost.
After the Twelve heard the Second Prediction of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, we were told that they did not understand what Jesus was talking about.
They did not want to ask Him any questions. They however launched into a worldly competition as to who is the greatest in the Kingdom of God.
"Jesus took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
True greatness in the eyes of Jesus is: humility, a loving concern for the little ones, the poor and the needy and homeless.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
