San Lorenzo Ruiz Filipino Community in The Bronx Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Bronx, New York — The San Lorenzo Ruiz Filipino Community at Saint Francis of Rome Church marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its 25th anniversary with a day of thanksgiving, cultural pride, and fellowship.

The celebration opened with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass honoring the group’s patron, San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. Afterward, parishioners and guests joined a colorful procession around the church block, carrying images and banners of San Lorenzo Ruiz while singing hymns of devotion.

The festivities culminated in a lively Barrio Fiesta filled with traditional Filipino food, line dancing, musical performances, games, and bingo. The event drew not only Filipino parishioners but also neighbors and friends from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the community’s welcoming spirit.

Message from the Consul General

Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile, in his message, emphasized the enduring relevance of San Lorenzo Ruiz’s life and witness.

• “First, as the first Filipino saint and a layperson, he shows that holiness is open to everyone, not just clergy,” he wrote.

• “Second, though an ‘accidental martyr’ who fled to Japan for personal reasons, he chose to affirm his faith when tested, reminding migrants that what matters is what they do now, not why they came.

• Third, he died with companions, emphasizing teamwork and community. The group’s 25th anniversary reflects the same spirit of unity, dedication, and shared inspiration that sustained San Lorenzo Ruiz and his fellow martyrs.”

A Journey of Faith and Service

Community president Tita Fernandez reflected on the group’s humble beginnings and growth:“Twenty-five years ago, while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, a retired accountant asked me to lead the Filipino community in the Bronx. Though hesitant, I accepted,” she recalled.

She noted that fifteen years ago, the group installed a shrine to San Lorenzo Ruiz inside the church, and the Bronx Senate President declared every third September as a Filipino holiday, awarding the community a certificate of recognition.

“Now, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I thank God for sustaining this ministry despite aging members and challenges. With my husband’s and family’s support, our annual fiesta thrives, and the shrine remains a cherished gift and lasting symbol of our community’s faith and dedication,” Fernandez added.

Looking Ahead

For a quarter-century, the San Lorenzo Ruiz Filipino Community has been a spiritual and cultural anchor for Filipino Catholics in The Bronx, fostering belonging, support, and service. Its annual celebrations and ongoing activities continue to strengthen faith while building bridges with the wider parish and neighborhood.

As the community looks to the future, it remains steadfast in living out the values of faith, unity, and service embodied by its patron, San Lorenzo Ruiz.