Monday, 14 July 2025

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz The Brave Witness - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: 
The Brave Witness
Paddy Bréagnamh
ISBN 9798281937139
ASIN B0F6XQR2N5

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: The Brave Witness - Paddy Bréagnamh

This is the fourth of five volumes currently available in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library that I have read. To date I have enjoyed them all and recommended a few of them to several people. I especially loved the volume on Pope Leo XIV. The description of the book is:

When faith is tested, true courage shines.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: The Brave Witness from Manila brings young readers ages 8–10 into the powerful true story of the first Filipino saint—a man who chose God over fear and became a hero of faith.

In this inspiring chapter book, kids will discover:

How a boy from Manila grew up to be a faithful scribe and family man
How Lorenzo’s brave choice led him to a dangerous journey across the sea
How he stayed true to his faith even in the face of persecution and death

Perfect for:

Catholic schools, homeschool families, and faith-based libraries
Celebrating Filipino heritage and saints from around the world
Inspiring kids with real stories of courage, faith, and hope

Plus:

Timeline of Lorenzo’s life
Glossary of key terms
Reflection questions for discussion or journaling

Whether your child is learning about saints for the first time or looking for stories of real-world bravery, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is a powerful reminder that ordinary people can live extraordinary lives.

Be brave. Be faithful. Be a witness.”

I do not know if the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a real name or pen name, I can only find the 5 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several bookstores online. This fourth volume I have read in the series is a great read and I look forward to the remaining one. The chapters and sections in the volume are:

Introduction 
Introduction Chapter
 1: A Boy from Binondo Chapter
 2: A Family Man with Big Dreams Chapter
 3: A Dangerous Accusation Chapter
 4: A Voyage of Faith Chapter
 5: Captured in Japan Chapter
 6: A Courageous Choice Chapter
 7: A Hero’s Legacy Chapter
 8: Be Brave Like Lorenzo 
Timeline of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’s Life 
Glossary 
Reflection Questions 
Mini Saints Library Series Note 

This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has an illustration on the chapter title page. The material is well put together. It is a great introduction to this lesser known saint. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume they are:

“”Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was not a king or a great general. He was a son, a husband, a father, and a man who loved God deeply. When trouble came, Lorenzo didn’t give up his faith—he stood strong, even when it was hard. He reminds us that ordinary people, living ordinary lives, can do extraordinary things with God's help. This is the true story of a boy from Manila who became the first Filipino saint—and who shows us that with courage and trust in God, we can all be brave witnesses too.”

“Because of his faith, Lorenzo gave up his life that day—the first Filipino martyr to die for Christ.”

“After carefully studying his life and the miracles connected to his prayers, Pope John Paul II declared Lorenzo a saint in 1987.”

“He was the first Filipino saint in history.”

“Today, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is the patron saint of the Philippines, of overseas workers, and of people facing unfair trials.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. This book was my introduction to Saint Lorenzo. I found this a very inspiring and challenging witness. At the end of the volume is a selection of reflection questions for group discussion with kids. It was a wonderful little read. I very much enjoyed this volume. I can easily recommend it, and this Mini Saints and Missionaries Series.  
  
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan

From Pirates to Parades: The Story of Saint Patrick and His Day  - Paddy Bréagnamh

Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus - Paddy Bréagnamh

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: The Brave Witness - Paddy Bréagnamh

Pope Leo XIV: From Chicago to the Vatican: The First American Pope - Paddy Bréagnamh

Saint Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Heard God's Call - Paddy Bréagnamh


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