Saint Lawrence of Brindisi

Capuchin Franciscan Priest and Doctor of the Church (1559-1619)

His life

+ Lawrence was born in Brindisi, Italy, and entered the Capuchin Franciscans at the age of sixteen. He quickly developed a reputation as being a gifted scholar.

+ Conversant in several languages, Lawrence considered preaching to be his primary ministry. Because of his gifts as an administrator, he was appointed provincial and served as superior general of the Capuchins from 1602-1605.

+ Lawrence’s surviving writings include many of his sermons, commentaries on Sacred Scripture, and a number of controversial works against Lutheranism. His sermons and treastises on the Blessed Virgin have led some to call him the most influential Marian scholar of his time.

+ Saint Lawrence of Brindisi died in 1619 and was canonized in 1881. Pope Saint John XXIII proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church in 1959, granting him the title Doctor Apostolicus (the “Apostolic Doctor”).

Spiritual bonus

On this day, we also honor Saint Simeon “the Fool.” Considered a “Fool for Christ” known for his many miracles and heavenly wisdom, he lived as a hermit in the desert near modern-day Homs, Syria.

For reflection

Simply I learned about Wisdom, and ungrudgingly do I share—

her riches I do not hide away;

For to men she is an unfailing treasure;

those who gain this treasure win the friendship of God,

to whom the gifts they have from discipline commend them.—Wisdom 7:13-14

Prayer

O God, who for the glory of your name
and the salvation of souls
bestowed on the Priest Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
a spirit of counsel and fortitude,
grant, we pray, that in the same spirit,
we may know what must be done
and, through his intercession,
bring it to completion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.