July 21st - St. Lawrence of Brindisi

 

The Lord guided the just in right paths.

And showed him the kingdom of God.

Lawrence was born on July 22, 1559, and died exactly 60 years later on his birthday in 1619. 

His parents, William and Elizabeth Russo, were merchants and named him Julius Caesar. His parents died early and so he was educated by his uncle at the College of St. Mark in Venice.

When he was 16, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Venice, receiving the name of Brother Lawrence. He completed his studies of philosophy and theology at the University of Padua and was ordained a priest at 23.

Grace is poured into thy lips. Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Lawrence was an accomplished linguist. In addition to his native Italian, Lawrence could fluently read and speak Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish, and French. With this facility for languages, Lawrence was able to study the Bible in its original texts. 

Pope Clement VIII sent him preaching to the Jews in Italy. Lawrence was so eloquent, and so excellent was his knowledge of Hebrew, the rabbis thought he was a Jew who had converted to Christianity.

When 80,000 Turks invaded Hungary, Laurence led a Christian army of 18,000 men to attack. He led them, riding before them with a great cross, into complete victory.

At the age of 31, he was elected the major superior of the Capuchin province of Tuscany. His combination of brilliance, compassion, and administrative skill enabled him to fulfill his duties very well.

He was very soon promoted by his fellow Capuchins to victor general of the Order, the highest office. In this position he was responsible for great growth and expansion of the Order.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant;  thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Lawrence was appointed papal emissary and peacemaker, a job which took him to a number of foreign countries. On a journey to Lisbon to visit the king of Spain, he fell seriously ill and died there on his birthday in 1619.

O Lord, you conferred the spirit of wisdom and fortitude on St. Lawrence, Confessor and teacher of faith, to help him perform difficult tasks for the glory of Your name and for the salvation of souls. At his intercession grant us by the same Spirit the grace to know what we ought to do and the courage to do it.