STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
The event, titled “From Manila to Manhattan: A Saint’s Celebration,” brought together Filipino Catholics from across the region in a vibrant expression of faith, unity and Filipino pride.
Bishop Peter Byrne celebrated the Mass, with Father Rhey, who is known in the community as “Father Rhey,” and several Filipino priests serving as concelebrants.
Recently appointed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Father Rhey a also serves as chaplain to the Filipino Catholic Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York.
During his remarks at the celebration, Father Rhey thanked the Rev. Erno Diaz and his team, including Susan Gasis, Marilyn Abalos, Attorney Dean Suba and others, at the San Lorenzo Global Ministry.
“They have organized this celebration for many years and were invaluably helpful to me, since it is my first time organizing this event,” said Father Rhey. “We are deeply grateful for their dedication in keeping the devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz alive.”
A native of the Philippines, Father Rhey made history as the first Filipino pastor appointed to a parish on Staten Island. He was named pastor of Sacred Heart on July 1, 2023, after serving as administrator since October 2022.
In addition to his parish role, he serves as chaplain at Moore Catholic High School in Graniteville through a pilot program aimed at strengthening ties between parishes and Catholic schools.
“A bit about the Filipino Catholic Apostolate — this is a newly established apostolate under the Archdiocese of New York, and I am blessed to serve as your chaplain,“ added Father Rhey. ”Our mission is to strengthen and deepen the faith of our Filipino community through our rich cultural and religious traditions.
“I’m grateful to be working with Father Frank, as well as our area coordinators — Father Von and Father Bacatan for the Scarsdale area.”
The apostolate is a key presence in the archdiocese, supporting the Filipino Catholic community through liturgical programs, cultural events, and outreach.
Its ministry is centered at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel and Philippine Pastoral Center, located at 248 East 62nd Street in Manhattan. These sites host Masses, educational talks, and community gatherings, and serve as spiritual and cultural hubs for the Filipino faithful.
“San Lorenzo Ruiz truly represents the faith and spirit of every Filipino — especially those of us far from home,“ shared Father Rhey. ”His life reminds us that holiness is possible for everyone: mothers, fathers, nurses, teachers, caregivers, students.
“Holiness isn’t far away — it can be found in our daily sacrifices, in the small things we do, and in gatherings like this‚’’ he said.
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosThe Filipino Apostolate
Backed by the Archdiocese of New York’s Office of Cultural Diversity, the apostolate encourages parish involvement through service roles, such as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and choir members.
The apostolate also organizes social justice initiatives and cultural celebrations to preserve Filipino heritage and foster community connections.
Father Rhey expressed his gratitude for the strong turnout at the cathedral and urged collaboration by all who want to be active in the Filipino Catholic Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York.
“Please reach out to me via email or Facebook,’’ he said. ”I welcome your ideas and suggestions for how we can grow and better serve our community.
“I’m also deeply moved that many prayer groups and associations traveled from as far as Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and nearby cities just to be here,” he added.
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosAbout San Lorenzo Ruiz
The San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, named for the first canonized Filipino saint, serves as a spiritual home for many in the community. Born in Binondo, Manila, St. Lorenzo Ruiz was a layman of Chinese and Filipino descent.
In 1637, he and 15 companions were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan, after refusing to renounce their faith. Ruiz had fled to Japan with Dominican missionaries to escape persecution after being accused of a crime. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on Oct. 18, 1987, in Manila.
“For now, we gather twice a year at St. Patrick’s Cathedral: every September for the San Lorenzo Ruiz Mass, and every December for Simbang Gabi,” said Father Rhey. “This year, Simbang Gabi will be held on Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.
“Through events like this celebration, the Filipino Catholic community continues to grow in visibility and strength within the archdiocese, reflecting our deep commitment to both faith and cultural identity.
“Again, thank you all so much for being here. Let’s continue to honor San Lorenzo Ruiz, stay united in faith, and never lose that joyful Filipino spirit.
For further information or to make a donation, contact the parish office at 718-442-0058, email Father Rhey at SacredHeart.SINY@gmail.com, or visit the church website at www.sacredheartsi.org.
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Brighton, Staten Island, organized the Mass. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A special Archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Rizalino “Rhey” Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, led a special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
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