{"id":385,"date":"2025-10-14T01:56:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T01:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/385\/"},"modified":"2025-10-14T01:56:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T01:56:14","slug":"rev-rhey-garcia-first-filipino-pastor-on-staten-island-celebrates-st-lorenzo-ruiz-mass-at-st-patricks-cathedral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/385\/","title":{"rendered":"Rev. Rhey Garcia, first Filipino pastor on Staten Island, celebrates St. Lorenzo Ruiz Mass at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Rev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d Garcia,<\/a> 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.<\/p>\n

The event, titled \u201cFrom Manila to Manhattan: A Saint\u2019s Celebration,\u201d brought together Filipino Catholics from across the region in a vibrant expression of faith, unity and Filipino pride. <\/p>\n

Bishop Peter Byrne celebrated the Mass, with Father Rhey, who is known in the community as \u201cFather Rhey,\u201d and several Filipino priests serving as concelebrants.<\/p>\n

Recently appointed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Father Rhey a also serves as chaplain to the Filipino Catholic Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey have organized this celebration for many years and were invaluably helpful to me, since it is my first time organizing this event,\u201d said Father Rhey. \u201cWe are deeply grateful for their dedication in keeping the devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a> on July 1, 2023, after serving as administrator since October 2022. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cA bit about the Filipino Catholic Apostolate \u2014 this is a newly established apostolate under the Archdiocese of New York, and I am blessed to serve as your chaplain,\u201c added Father Rhey. \u201dOur mission is to strengthen and deepen the faith of our Filipino community through our rich cultural and religious traditions. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful to be working with Father Frank, as well as our area coordinators \u2014 Father Von and Father Bacatan for the Scarsdale area.”<\/p>\n

The apostolate is a key presence in the archdiocese, supporting the Filipino Catholic community through liturgical programs, cultural events, and outreach. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cSan Lorenzo Ruiz truly represents the faith and spirit of every Filipino \u2014 especially those of us far from home,\u201c shared Father Rhey. \u201dHis life reminds us that holiness is possible for everyone: mothers, fathers, nurses, teachers, caregivers, students. <\/p>\n

\u201cHoliness isn\u2019t far away \u2014 it can be found in our daily sacrifices, in the small things we do, and in gatherings like this\u201a\u2019\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosThe Filipino Apostolate <\/p>\n

Backed by the Archdiocese of New York\u2019s Office of Cultural Diversity, the apostolate encourages parish involvement through service roles, such as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and choir members. <\/p>\n

The apostolate also organizes social justice initiatives and cultural celebrations to preserve Filipino heritage and foster community connections.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease reach out to me via email or Facebook,\u2019’ he said. \u201dI welcome your ideas and suggestions for how we can grow and better serve our community.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosAbout San Lorenzo Ruiz <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, we gather twice a year at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral: every September for the San Lorenzo Ruiz Mass, and every December for Simbang Gabi,\u201d said Father Rhey. \u201cThis year, Simbang Gabi will be held on Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. <\/p>\n

\u201cThrough 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain, thank you all so much for being here. Let\u2019s continue to honor San Lorenzo Ruiz, stay united in faith, and never lose that joyful Filipino spirit. <\/p>\n

For further information or to make a donation, contact the parish office at 718-442-0058, email Father Rhey at SacredHeart.SINY@gmail.com<\/a>, or visit the church website at www.sacredheartsi.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Brighton, Staten Island, organized the Mass. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comA special Archdiocesan celebration honoring St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was held at St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos\"Advance\/SILive.comRev. Rizalino \u201cRhey\u201d 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\u2019s Cathedral on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos<\/p>\n

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