Rev. Rhey Garcia, first Filipino pastor on Staten Island, celebrates St. Lorenzo Ruiz Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

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, Fath