About Us

BACKGROUND OF SAN LORENZO RUIZ PARISH

Sometime in early 1990s,  San Lorenzo South Subdivision was a growing subdivision.  It is located more or less 5 kilometers away from Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  It is approximately a 10- minute tricycle ride to reach there or a five-minute drive by car.

Notably, the homeowners used to have their household needs sourced mainly in Balibago, particularly personal and business activities are done and transacted there.

Church and all religious activities, Sacraments are also celebrated in Balibago.  San Lorenzo South Subdivision is under the “care of Chair of St. Peter Parish.”   Parishioner partake all religious rites, ceremonies including the celebration of masses on Sundays. 

It is unlikely for a subdivision with several homeowners to sustain their daily life on this situation without the luxury of having their own amenities as individuals, and even in the nourishment of their religious and spiritual lives.  San Lorenzo South  Subdivision from its ecclesial jurisdiction was under the Chair of St. Peter Parish under Rev. Fr. Leandro “Doy” Bariring. 

In 1992, religious activities especially the celebration of the Holy Mass, were held in various location inside the subdivision.  Some were held even in private houses within the vicinity of the then RSBS model houses.  There were groups of dedicated Catholics who have their own prayer meetings, Block Rosaries to enflame and sustain their desire of praising and worshipping our God.  The presence of Charismatic communities were also there to signify the intention of having a permanent place of worship- a Church for the religious and for the spiritual needs of the homeowners and the subdivision in general.

HISTORY OF SAN LORENZO RUIZ PARISH

San Lorenzo South Subdivision-It is a place in Sta. Rosa, Laguna,  the most popular among the subdivision during that time since 1993, most people-homegrown or migrants dreamed to live in.

 Most significantly, it is named after the first Filipino Saint.  It is indeed built and constructed with a cause, a monumental legacy in honor of our beloved San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila.

San Lorenzo South Subdivision has blossomed into one of the most prominent subdivisions in Laguna.  It has accessibility to industrial establishments, PEZA-registered  entities, manufacturing of various export products of multi-national companies and assembly plants of world-class car companies.  Famous schools as Dominican College  La Salle Caritas, Don Bosco School are adjacent to the location.  Some commercial and entertainment establishments are within its vicinity.  The famous Waltermart Department Store, Robinsons , and the soon-to-rise SM Store, and the Enchanted Kingdom, one of the World-famous theme parks operating in the Philippines is within its reach.  The subdivision has its Homeowners’ Association and duly elected officers to foresee every member-homeowner’s rights, privileges and welfare.

 With all of these, one of the most important needs and components that a subdivision should have is evidently lacking.  A Church, the place of praise and worship for every individual. For every person-homeowner or a parishioner’s haven.  The house of our Lord, a dwelling place for our God, the creator of all us and all things.

 Hunger with the desire to build a Church, and  inspired and led by the proddings of the Holy Spirit, not wanting to see the Catholic faithful as “sheep going astray”, concerned and devout   Catholics grouped together, worked hand in hand for this great endeavor.

 As early as 1993, the group made representation with Rev. Fr. Leandro “Doy” Bariring   the recognition as a Mini Parish to the Chair of St. Peter Parish.  To make everyone morally and spiritually prepared, the Mini-Pastoral Council was organized.  It was then the birth of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Mini-Pastoral Council.:

      President : Bro. Epifanio “Jimmy”  Estera

      Vice-President : Bro. Jaime “Jim” Mendez

      Secretary : Sis Meljorie “Mel” Mendez

      Treasurer : Sis Carmencita “Menchie” Divina

      Auditor : Sis Pelagia “Bebot” Padilla

      Lay Adviser : Bro/Dr. Clarito “Paddy” Padilla

      Worship : Sis Meljorie Mendez

      Education : Sis Bing Jamison

      Service : Sis Leonor Paguinto & Bro. Miguel “Mike” Salinas

      Youth : Bro. Pierre Lavapie        

Block Coordinator Head – Sis Ma. Elena “Mariel” Macalino

SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA AS A MINI-PARISH

The Chair of St. Peter Parish, Balibago, was then a large Parish that it could not accommodate to cater the celebration of mass on Sundays to all in its Mini-Parishes.   Having no Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Doy Bariring authorized San Lorenzo Ruiz Mini-Parish for the invitation of visiting Priest from various religious congregations to celebrate the mass.   This led the Mini-Parish to be nourished by the “Franciscan  Fathers, to celebrate the Sunday  masses.    It was  Rev. Fr. Kiko, Fr. Zacky and Fr. Olan of the Capuchin Fathers who religiously alternating to officiate  mass at San Lorenzo Ruiz Mini-Parish.  We are also blessed to have invited other Priests from the La Sallette Seminary  of Silang, Cavite, led by Rev. Fr. Erwin dela Cruz, its Vocation Director, together with Rev. Fr. Ronald de Guzman and Rev. Fr. Manny dela Cruz.  Moreover , we have the chance to invite Rev. Fr. Ronnie Saya-Saya from the Parish of South Dakota, USA.

However, all of these masses were celebrated in various places within the subdivision.  So, the officers of the Mini-Parish made a formal request through the Homeowners’ Association with RSBS and SLDC for the provision of a vacant lot for the church.  Hence, the Homeowners’ Association allocated a lot within the subdivision, an open space situated at Block 14 Lot 1 Phase 1.  The Mini-Pastoral Council was grateful to the Homeowners’ Association.

We held the ground-breaking and capsule laying ceremonies December 11, 1994,  in a  simple and very solemn way.  A Eucharistic Celebration was offered, officiated by Rev. Fr. Doy Bariring, Jr.  the Parish Priest of the Chair of St. Peter Parish, Balibago.  Several guests also graced the occasion, Congressman Rey Almoro and Mayor Roberto “Tito” Gonzales. 

We also give thanks to Rev. Fr. Erwin dela Cruz,  of the LaSallette Seminary, the Dominican Sisters headed by Mother Superior Anunciata Viloria, O.P.  with  Sister Veritas Pascua, O. P. for their unending support and assistance, their prayers and the availability  of their school’s amenities and facilities in our formation programs and seminars.

The PPC of the Mini Parish was so grateful to all, who in one way or another helped  in the ground-breaking ceremonies. The ground-breaking ceremonies inspired the parishioners and the PPC to hold its first “Simbang Gabi” at the site.    Early 1995, the PPC conducted brain-storming sessions with all the committees for fund-raising projects.

  A.)  April 29, 1995 – Dance for A Cause

 It was a well-attended affair, emceed by Mrs. Chit Castillo, wife of the incumbent President of Homeowners’Association  and Mr. Efren Tamunday with opening prayer led by Sr. Veritas Pascua, O.P. of the Dominican Sisters. It was also highlighted by the presentation and unveiling of the Architect’s perspective of the proposed chapel by the PPC President, Bro. Jimmy Estera.

 B).  May 26, 1995 – The Search for Lakambini ng San Lorenzo ’95 was held.  It was organized by Ms. Bing Jamison, Head of the Committee on  Education, with the support and cooperation of the Colegio de Sta. Rosa, Makati.  The program was opened by Ms. Luz  Bardon,(in lieu) of Rev. Fr. Leando Bariring, consequently, the winners were announced by Bro. Jim Mendez, Vice President of PPC and Chairperson of the contest: 

                Ms. Catherine Busa           –  Lakambini  of San Lorenzo “95

                Ms. Danessa Dumaragas  –  First Runner-Up

                Ms. Judith  Malabanan     –  Second Runner-Up

 It is   worth mentioning  the people who brought  success to the pageant:

                 Production and Choreographer  –  Ms. Nonette Marcelo,

PE Instructor of  Colegio de Sta. Rosa of Makati.      

                 Honorable Fiscal Modesto Nieva, Prosecutor, Biñan Trial Court

                 Prof. Perfecto Bernardo – Dean, College of Engineering, Don Bosco

                 Mr. Edgar Llanes – General  Manager, SUMSI

                 Ms. Lenifer Siega – First runner-Up, Lakambini de Calamba ‘95

                  P/Supt. Fermeliano O. Siega – Director, PNPA Camp Castañeda

The Lakambini ’95 was crowned by Hon. Joey Catindig  –  Vice Mayor of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

C)  Bote-Dyaryo Fund Drive:

 The Youth Pastoral Council, under their President, Bro. Pierre Lavapie did their share in their desire to help build the Church.  They took four (4) Consecutive Sundays  to haul or pick-up “Bote & Dyaryo” within the Subdivision and areas in Balibago.

In all other projects and activities, the PPC extend their gratitude and thanksgiving for all the efforts done towards building and constructing our Chapel.

Unfortunately, on October 25, 1995, Super Typhoon “Rosing” destroyed the chapel, leaving all down and dilapidated.  It tore and broke the hearts of the Parishioners.  By God’s grace, the PPC strove hard to come up with renewed strength and faith to reconstruct and build it.  They became more aggressive in their solicitations for the chapel.

It was through the generosity of Bro. Pelagio Lavapie, General Manager of Philsteel who provided the long-span roofing materials for the said chapel.  It somehow helped to complete the structure.

PRELUDE TO BECOME A PARISH:

Thereafter, our Chapel was again re-constructed.  It has already the amenities and the organization to become a Parish.         

 We had our Mini-Parish Pastoral Council ably assisting the Parish Priest of the Chair of St. Peter Parish.  

1. The Knights of the Altar under the care and tutelage of Sister Lily Lagrada and mentorship of Bro. Marsh Villagracia and Rev. Fr. Erwin dela Cruz of La Salette Seminary as Spiritual Director.
2. The Block Coordinators, under Sis Mariel Macalino, together with Worship Committee under Sis Mel Mendez who were able to mobilize the various  church activities in the Parish.
3. The Mini-Parish Youth Council was able to organize and establish all official PPC newsletter-“The WAVES” (Words, Actions, Visions and Evangelizing San Lorenzo) who caters all communication, informations and whereabouts relative to  PPC and other Church activities.  It also organized “SIGLAKAS SPORTSFEST” to foster unity and camaraderie within the Parish.
4. Choir Members in two (2) groups, the Main Choir and the Childrens’ Choir.  The former being composed of selected of talented primary and elementary school children being coached by Bro. Jun Cajigal, a music teacher from Dela Salle College, Dasmariñas, Cavite.  The main choir, the adult ones of various ministries under the baton of Bro. Victor “Vic” Gonzales.
5. It also boasts of the Education Ministry with Sis Bing Jamison of the Colegio De Sta. Rosa, Makati enabling everyone of talks on Value Formation.  They also partake of some  teachings from the Dominican Sisters.
6. The EMHC which was  headed by Bro. Mike Salinas together with Bro. ‘Doc Paddy’ Padilla, Bro. Ernie Abrena, Bro. Pompey Magsino, Bro. Nitoy Buñag, and Bro. Arles Navarra.
7. The Lectors & Commentator Guild under Sis Luzviminda Villanueva  with Members; Sis Pelagia “Bebot” Padilla, Sis Mel Mendez, Sis Jovi De Leon, Sis Myrna Cajilog, Sis Maila Goyena,  Sis Jennie Babao, Sis Margot Babcock, Sis Herminia Salinas and Sis Evelyn Angeles.
8. The chores of the Mother Butler Group was shared by Sis Jovi de Leon, Sis Mel Mendez and Myrna Cajilog.
9. The PREX (Parish Renewal Experience) Community, its initial seed was first planted in the San Lorenzo Mini Parish.  The PREX  enables one to appreciate the roles of the lay people in the Parish.  It was through the initiative of Rev. Fr. Erwin dela Cruz that PREX has flourished in the lives of Parishioners.   It  brought San Lorenzo Parish to our Outreach Programs to various  Parishes, starting with the “Chair of St. Peter Parish,  St. Polycarp of Cabuyao, St. Vincent Ferrer of Biñan and the St. Vincent Ferrer in Mamatid, Cabuyao.  The Lay Leaders of the PREX are as follows:

     Chair Couple :           Kuya Jim & Ate Mel Mendez

     Vice Chair Couple :  Kuya Noel & Ate Jovi de Leon

                                         Kuya Efren & Ate Lady Reyes

     Documentation  :     Kuya Noel & Ate Jennie Babao

     Secretary             :     Kuya Urso & Ate Myrna Cajilog

     Music                   :     Kuya Vic & Ate Angie Gonzales

                                    Kuya Danny & Ate Marite Dumaraos,  Ate Dessa Dumaraos

All of these projects and activities are enhanced through the existence of the “Ad-Hoc” Mini-Parish, inspite of the reshuffling of Parish Priest .

From Rev. Fr. Leandro “Doy” Bariring, came Rev. Fr. Ramon Calago.  It was during the time of Rev. Fr. Calago that the Chair of St. Peter Parish, was given an Assistant Priest, Rev. Fr. Noel Artillaga after which he was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Crizaldo Punto.  

Rev. Fr. Zaldy  Punto, who with special authority from Bishop Francisco San Diego , resided in San Lorenzo Mini Parish convent, initially to  supervise and foresee the ever-growing activities of the  mini-Parish.

It has also a share of its leadership from Bro. Jimmy Estera to Bro. Noel De Leon, Sis Jovi de Leon, Bro. Rey Añonuevo, Bro. Bong Mariposque,  Sis Mila Tumlos,    Sis  Marya Ansay , Sis Celsa Duga and Sis Fe Miranda. 

From Rev. Fr. Ramon Calago, Rev. Fr. Reynaldo Hayag, Rev. Fr. Paul Bugay, and Rev. Msgr. Alex Ramon Amante took care of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Mini Parish

SAN LORENZO RUIZ AS A NEW PARISH

In 2010, Rev. Msgr. James  A. Contreras, JCL succeeded Rev. Msgr. Ramon Alex Amante, from then on, San Lorenzo has bEcome one of the Prominent Mini-Parishes in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and even in the Diocese of San Pablo.  With almost complete organization and church structure and a well motivated and generous parishioners,  it could be ready to become a full-pledged parish.

It was under auspices of Rev. Msgr James A. Contreras, JCL that the San Lorenzo De Manila was considered a Parish.  It has  three(3) Basic Ecclesial Communities, the Holy Cross BEC in Malitlit, Exaltation of the Holy Cross BEC in Vera Cruz, Our Lady of Fatima BEC in Villa Susana.  Along with it are the various subdivisions surrounding San Lorenzo South, the Villa Toledo, Villa Esmeralda, Villa Segovia, Villa Las Casas & Villa San Lorenzo Royale.

A  re-shuffling of assignment of Parish Priest followed.    It was indeed a happy moment for everyone, especially for the parishioners of San Lorenzo, that it becomes a Parish.  True to it, it was erected on January 19, 2013, with no less than Rev. Msgr. James A. Contreras, JCL, the First Parish Priest with its First PPC President, Dra. Angelie de Jesus Babao.

Rev. Msgr. James A. Contreras, JCL made several programs and projects to enhance San Lorenzo as a Parish.  One of his noble programs, was the Building of the Chapel to a big new Church.  He launched the project called “Help Build our Church”.  He encouraged everyone to actively support the project.  Likewise, he further strengthened the Parish Church organization.  He was also instrumental in the establishment of Marriage Encounter (ME) and other covenanted Communities.  His program among BECs,  such as celebration of masses at every BECs and subdivision together with offering of the mass at the Enchanted Kingdom and the Waltermart Dep’t Store.

On April 29, 2019,   Rev. Fr. Jeremias O. Oblepias, Jr, . SThL succeeded Rev. Msgr. James A. Contreras, JCL, the second  Parish Priest of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish.

Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the very first saint from the Philippines, lived a life full of devotion, bravery, and sacrifice. He was born in Binondo, Manila around 1600 to a Chinese dad and a Filipino mom. Growing up in a strong Catholic household, Lorenzo got his education from Dominican friars and served as an altar boy. He even joined the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary to show how deeply rooted his faith was right from childhood. Eventually, he married Rosario from the neighborhood, and they had three kids, leading a simple yet devout life together.

Everything changed drastically for Lorenzo when he got falsely accused of murder, which made him flee the Philippines. He sought safety by sailing with Dominican missionaries to Japan, a place known for its hostility towards Christians at that time. Upon their arrival in Japan in 1636, Lorenzo and his companions faced immediate peril due to the anti-Christian sentiment prevailing there. They were captured shortly after and subjected to brutal tortures meant to make them give up their faith.

Despite enduring relentless torture like being hung upside down in water-filled pits (quite painful!), Lorenzo stood firm in his faith. He stuck to his beliefs through it all and famously stated, ” I am a Christian and this I profess until the hour of my death; and for God I shall give my life Sadly, Lorenzo Ruiz was martyred on September 29, 1637. His unshakable faith and valor in the face of unbearable suffering left a lasting impact.

In 1987, Pope John Paul II made Lorenzo Ruiz a saint – the very first Filipino saint! His life and death continue to inspire many as symbols of unwavering faith and resilience amidst extreme hardships. St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila stands tall as a revered figure representing the profound spiritual legacy and enduring faith of the Filipino people – quite persuasive indeed!

Important Person of San Lorenzo’s Life

The extraordinary life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the first Filipino saint, was deeply impacted by several important individuals who played significant roles in his and personal growth. These figures were key in shaping his faith, values, and ultimately, his journey to martyrdom.

1. Lorenzo Ruiz’s Parent

Around 1600 in Binondo, Manila, Lorenzo was born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. Both parents were strong Catholics and had a profound influence on him. His father, a immigrant, taught him the importance of hard work perseverance. Meanwhile, his Filipino mother nurtured his faith and dedication to the Catholic Church. The solid religious foundation provided by his parents was crucial in molding Lorenzo’s spiritual life and commitment to his faith.

• The Dominican Friars

In Lorenzo’s early years, the Dominican friars played a vital role in his religious education. He received schooling at the Dominican-run Convent of Binondo, where he learned Spanish, Latin, and gained knowledge in Catholic teachings. Recognizing Lorenzo’s potential and deep faith, the Dominicans guided him through his formative years. They introduced him to the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, strengthening his bond with the Church further.

• Rosario, Lorenzo’s Wife

Lorenzo married Rosario, a devout local woman with whom he had three children. Rosario was a significant presence in Lorenzo’s personal life, offering emotional and spiritual support. Their family life revolved around their faith as they raised their children in the Catholic tradition. Rosario’s steadfast support and shared devotion reinforced Lorenzo’s commitment to his faith through challenges

• The Dominican Missionaries

In 1636 when falsely accused of murder, Lorenzo sought refuge with Dominican missionaries heading for Japan. Among them were Fr. Antonio Gonzalez, Fr. Guillermo Courtet, and Fr. Miguel de Aozaraza – all later became his companions in martyrdom. Their shared faith and missionary zeal inspired Lorenzo while facing dangers spreading Christianity in an adverse climate.

•  Pope John Paul II

Although not contemporaries with Lorenzo, Pope John Paul II played a significant role in acknowledging Saint Lorenzo Ruiz. In 1981 he beatified Lorenzo along with 15 other martyrs before canonizing him on October 18th, 1987 – making him the first Filipino saint. The Pope’s recognition brought global attention towards Lorenzo’s life and martyrdom inspiring countless Catholics globally.