Emmanuel Ruiz was a Spanish Franciscan missionary born in San Martín de las Ollas in 1804. He served as the guardian of a friary in Damascus during a period of intense civil conflict. In July 1860, he was killed alongside several companions, including the Massabki brothers, during an attack on a Franciscan-run parish by Druze forces. He is recognized as one of the Martyrs of Damascus, having been canonized by Pope Francis in October 2024.
Life and death
Born in Spain, Ruiz joined the Franciscan order and eventually moved to Syria. At age 56, he held the role of guardian for the local friary. During the violent events of 1860, he sought the Eucharist at the tabernacle as attackers entered the premises. He died in Damascus on July 10, 1860, during the night of the massacre.
Veneration
Ruiz is honored as a saint within the Catholic Church. After being beatified in 1926, he and his fellow martyrs were officially canonized on October 20, 2024. His feast day is observed annually on July 10, commemorating the date of his death.