St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Their story

Lawrence was born in 1559 in Brindisi, in southern Italy, and baptized Giulio Cesare. His father died when he was young, and he was educated by Franciscan friars and later by his uncle in Venice. At sixteen he joined the Capuchin Franciscans and took the name Lawrence. He had an extraordinary gift for languages and learned Hebrew, Greek, German, French, Spanish and more, which helped him study the Scriptures in depth and preach to many peoples. Lawrence became a powerful preacher. He preached in Rome, worked to found Capuchin houses across Germany, Austria and Bohemia, and helped renew the Catholic faith in Central Europe. In 1601 he served as a chaplain to the Christian army defending Hungary against an Ottoman invasion. According to the accounts, he rode out in front of the troops holding a crucifix to encourage them, and they won a remarkable victory. In 1602 Lawrence was elected leader of the Capuchin order, and later he was often sent on delicate missions as a diplomat and peacemaker between rulers. He remained a man of deep prayer and a great love for the Mass and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He died in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 22, 1619, while on a peace mission. He was canonized in 1881 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1959.