Filipinos from around the Diocese of Paterson on Sept. 20 gathered in St. Philip the Apostle Church in Clifton, N.J., to honor two martyrs from the Philippines — St. Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod — during the annual diocesan Filipino Martyr Mass. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney was the principal celebrant of the liturgy, which was coordinated by the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM).
Several diocesan priests, including several born in the Philippines, concelebrated the Mass. Among them was Father Vidal Gonzales, pastor of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J., and diocesan consultant/DCCFM adviser. The celebration featured hymns in English and Tagalog.
Canonized by Pope John Paul II in Rome on Oct. 18, 1987, St. Lorenzo Ruiz was martyred during the persecution of Christians in Japan during the 17th century while on a missionary expedition. A layman with a wife and three children, he lived out his faith as an active member of his church community. His feast day is Sept. 28.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Pope Benedict XVI canonized St. Pedro Calungsod on World Mission Sunday in 2012. The saint was martyred in 1672, one week before Palm Sunday, at the age of 17. He began serving God at the age of 13 as a missionary for the Jesuits. With Jesuit Father Diego Luis de San Vitores, he traveled to Guam to catechize the native Chamorros. They were attacked and killed when the village chief learned his baby daughter had been baptized. His feast day is April 2.
Like last year, the Mass was followed by food and fellowship “that showcased the rich gifts and talents of our Filipino community,” said Elmer Maximo, DCCFM president. He said that Notre Dame will host next year’s Filipino Martyr Mass.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our Filipino priests in the diocese and for the active participation of our Filipino organizations. Their dedication continues to make this celebration so meaningful and memorable,” Maximo said.
