The first and only canonized Filipino saint is not a bishop, nor a priest, nor a deacon, nor a seminarian, nor a nun, but a simple and ordinary parishioner. Lorenzo lived in the vicinity of Binondo and had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and the rosary. He was a catechist and a father of two children. Circumstances led him to leave for Japan and there was demanded to manifest the depth of his faith. Wala nang atrasan.
Lorenzo was an ordinary parishioner, like many of those who go to church every sunday, or even every day. He was an ordinary member of a parish confraternity. He did not attend a religious school, much less a theological insitute. He was not an expert in sacred scriptures, nor a master of doctrine. Lorenzo was a catechist.
He was ordinary, but his faith was in place, a great love for the Lord and for Mary his mother; a concern for the nourishment of other's faith. He was ordinary, but he was faithful even in the face of death.
Uso pa ba ang pagiging banal? Uso pa ba ang pagiging tapat? Holiness in not something out of this world. Fidelity is not something totally impossible. Sainthood is not an unreachable star. Rather, sainthood is a seed that has been planted in our hearts that needs care, nourishment and growth. Holiness is not something we look at from a distance. Rather, holiness is like fire that consumes all of our being that transforms all of our life into something Godly. Fidelity is not a mission impossible. Rather, fidelity is the true test of genuine love.
Nakaya ni Lorenzo. Kaya din natin. Hindi nga lang uso, pero kaya. Kaya, sa awa ng Diyos. Amen.
