TODY'S SAINT (Lawrence of Brindisi)

JULY 21

(1559-1619)

Capuchin Friar, Doctor of the Church

Lawrence of Brindisi was born Julius Caesar de Rossi in Brindisi, Italy, in 1559. From an early age he was precocious in his studies, and exhibited a natural gift for oratory. His Father died when he was 12, and he went to Venice to study with the clerics of St. Mark's. In 1575 he joined the Capuchin Friars Minor, a strict offshoot of the Franciscans, and took the name of Brotherr Lawrence. He studied at the University of Padua. He was reputed to know the entire original text of the Bible.

Lawrence preached and evangelized throughout Europe. His skill and gifts enabled him to hold all the offices of his order. From 1596 to 1602 he lived in Rome and evagelized the Jews at the behest of Pope Clement VIII (r. 1592-1605). He traveled about evangelizing Jews, and estabishing houses of his order. He was popular beccause of his speaking ability and his miracles.

In 1601, while eastablishing a house in Prague, Lawrence was made chaplainn of Emperor Rudolf II's army, which was fighting the Turks. Lawrence galvanized the troops with inspiring speeches and even led the army in spite of his feeblences, mounted on horseback and crucifix in hand. Miraculously he was never wounded.

In 1605 Lawrence was sent to evangelize Germany, where he served as papal nuncio to the court of Bavaria and became involved in the politics that preeded the Thirty Years' War.

In 1618 he retired to a monastery in Casereta, Italy, but was recalled and sent on a mission to Spain to advise King Philip III. The journey exhausted him, and he never returned home. He died in Lisbon on July 22, 1619.

Lawrence's writings include hundreds of sermons, commentaries on books of the Bible (he is especially noted for his commentary on Genesis). various treatises and religious polemics.

Beatifieed: 1783 by Pope Pius VI

Canonized: 1881 by Pope Leo XIII

Declared Doctor of the Church: 1959 by Pope John XXIII

Feast: July 21

Prayer

God, for the glory of Your name and the

salvation of souls, You favored St,. Law-

rence, Your Priest with the spirit of wisdom

and fortitude. Grant that in the same spirit

we may recognize our obligations and with

his help carry them out. Amen.