His Early Life and Education

Giulio Cesare Russo was born at Brindisi, Italy, on July 22, 1559 to Guglielmo de Rossi and Elisabetta Masella. From a young age, he felt a calling to the religious life. Showing an early gift for oratory, he was always the one chosen to address, in accordance with the Italian custom, a short sermon to his compatriots on the Infant Jesus during the Christmas festivities.

Guilio received his education from the Friars Minor Conventuals of Brindisi. Tragically, Giulio’s father passed away when he was only twelve years old. Despite this loss, he remained dedicated to his studies, eventually continuing his education at Saint Mark’s College in Venice, Italy under the supervision of one of his uncles.

Brother Lawrence

At the age of 16, he became a Capuchin Franciscan Friar in Verona, taking the name Brother Lorenzo (Lawrence). At the University of Padua, Lawrence studied theology, the Bible, French, German, Greek, Spanish, Syriac, and Hebrew. An accomplished linguist, in addition to his native Italian, Lawrence could read and speak Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish, and French fluently.  While still a deacon, Lawrence became known for his powerful preaching.

Ordained

At the age of 23, Lawrence was ordained a priest. As a priest, Lawrence became renowned for his powerful and effective preaching in multiple languages. He also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and established convents in Vienna and Graz, Austria, as well as in Prague, Czech Republic. Additionally, Lawrence wrote catechisms to teach and spread the teachings of the Catholic Church. During his early priesthood, Lawrence preached successfully in Padua, Verona, Vicenza, and elsewhere in northern Italy.

Missionary

With such excellent linguistic skills, Lawrence started out on a highly fruitful missionary life. At first, he visited and preached in the various cities in Italy; Venice, Pavia, Verona, Padua, Naples, where his labors were blessed with remarkable success.

Lawrence was then called to Rome by Pope Clement VIII, who commissioned him to evangelize and convert the Jews. His thorough knowledge of the Hebrew language won for him the esteem of the rabbis, and his gentle manner led many an Israelite to baptism.

Elected Superior of the Capuchin Franciscans

At the age of 31, Lawrence was elected superior of the Capuchin Franciscan province of Tuscany. Beginning in 1599, Lawrence established Capuchin monasteries in modern Germany and Austria, furthering the Counter-Reformation and bringing many Protestants back to the Catholic faith. Five years later, he was sent to Germany with Blessed Benedict of Urbino. Together, they founded the friaries of Vienna and Graz in Austria, and in Prague, Czech Republic.

To War Armed with a Cross

In 1601, Lawrence was named chaplain of the army of the Holy Roman Empire. He rallied the German princes to fight a superior Turkish force. Lawrence was asked to lead the army into battle at Stuhlweissenburg (modern Székesfehérvár, Hungary). Carrying no weapon but a crucifix to protect himself and promising victory in the name of God, the Turks were completely defeated.

Elected Vicar General

In 1602, Lawrence was elected master general of the Capuchin friars, at that time the highest office in the Order. During his 3 years in office, Lawrence preached and wrote to spread the Good News. He went on important peace missions to Munich, Germany, and Madrid, Spain. The rulers of those places listened to him and the missions were successful.

In 1605, Lawrence was the choice for another term, but turned it down. Until his death, he was the adviser of his successors.

His Works

Lawrence, like his spiritual father Saint Francis of Assisi, had an ardent devotion to the Immaculate Mother of God. He was the first to write on all aspects of theology that concern the Blessed Virgin Mary. Lawrence explains that Mary is the Mother of God and the Mother of all Christians. He proves that as the Mother of God, she is immaculate, free from all sin, including original sin, and that she is full of grace. He also explains that Mary is a virgin and that she has been assumed into heaven, body and soul.

His written works include a commentary on Genesis, several treatises against Luther, and nine volumes of sermons. In 1956, the Capuchin Order compiled fifteen volumes of Lawrence’s sermons, letters and writings.

Papal Nuncio

Lawrence entered the service of the Pope, becoming a papal nuncio to Bavaria. In this position as an ecclesiastical diplomat, he was assigned to evangelize in Germany, where he had great success.  Lawrence also served as a nuncio to Spain where he convinced Philip III of Spain to join the German Catholic League.

Lawrence often fell into ecstasy when he celebrated Holy Mass. He had a great devotion to the Rosary and the Office of the Blessed Virgin.

His Death

In 1618, Lawrence retired to a monastery. He was recalled as a special envoy to the King of Spain regarding the actions of the Viceroy of Naples in 1619. After finishing his mission, Lawrence died on his 60th birthday on July 22, 1619 in Lisbon, Portugal of natural causes. Saint Lawrence is buried in the cemetery of the Poor Clares on Villafranca, Spain.

In 1956, the Capuchin Order compiled fifteen volumes of Lawrence’s sermons, letters, and writings, attesting to his profound theological insights and commitment to Christian teachings. In 1959, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of theology, Pope John XXIII declared Saint Lawrence a Doctor of the Church with the title “Apostolic Doctor”..

Born :                   July 22, 1559 in Brindisi, Naples, Italy

Died:                    July 22, 1619 age 60 in Lisbon, Portugal

Beatified:            June 1, 1783 by Pope Pius VI

Canonized:         December 8, 1881 by Pope Leo XIII

Feast Day:           July 21, July 22 (Lisbon, Portugal)

Patron Saint:     Archdiocese of Brindisi-Ostuni, Italy; Brindisi, Italy

Source:

• ALL SAINTS: ⛪ Saint Lawrence of Brindisi – Priest and Doctor of the Church
• St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church (catholicfire.blogspot.com)
• CatholicSaints.Info » Saints of the Day – Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor by Katherine I Rabenstein
• Saint Lawrence of Brindisi – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
• Lawrence of Brindisi – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

Cradio Saint of the Day: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi – YouTube (CatholicSaints.Info)