Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and companions, Saint of the day for July 7th

(1804-1860)

Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and the history of her companions

Not much is known about Emmanuel Ruiz's early life, but the details of his heroic death in defense of the faith have come down to us.

Born to humble parents in Santander, Spain, he became a Franciscan priest and served as a missionary in Damascus. This was at a time when anti-Christian riots shook Syria and thousands lost their lives in no time.

Among these were Emmanuel, superior of the Franciscan monastery, seven other friars and three lay people. When a threatening crowd came looking for men, they refused to give up their faith and become Muslims. The men were subjected to horrible torture before their martyrdom.

Emmanuel, his Franciscan brother and the three Maronite laity were beatified in 1926 by Pope Pius XI.

Reflection
The Church in Syria has experienced persecution throughout its history. Yet he produced saints whose blood was shed for the faith. Let us pray for the Church in Syria.