His Early Life and Education

Giulio Cesare Russo was born at Brindisi, in the kingdom of Naples, Italy, on July 22, 1559 to Guglielmo de Rossi and Elisabetta Masella. His father died when he was twelve. He was twelve when his father died and continued his education at Saint Mark’s College in Venice 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. After his ordination, Lawrence startled the whole of northern Italy with his amazing sermons. Because Lawrence could speak Hebrew, he worked for the conversion of the Jews living in Rome.

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, 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 1959, 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

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

Source:

• St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church (catholicfire.blogspot.com)
• CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
• Lawrence of Brindisi – Wikipedia

Prayers

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi,

Scholar, preacher, and diplomat, you who dedicated your life to the service of God, we turn to you in prayer and supplication,

Pray for us, O holy servant of God, that we may be inspired by your example of scholarship and faith in action.

Guide us in our intellectual pursuits, that we may use our talents to deepen our understanding of the Catholic faith and share it with others.

Help us to be effective evangelists, spreading the Gospel with zeal and compassion.

May we, like you, humbly serve the Church and our fellow human beings, using our gifts not for personal glory, but for the greater glory of God.

Video Link

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