St. Lawrence of Brindisi was born on 22 July 1559 to William and Elizabeth Russo of Brindisi, Italy. At a very young age, he displayed clear signs of a religious calling and his potential oratory skills. At 16, he joined the Capuchins at Venice, taking the name of Brother Lawrence and, while still a Deacon, preached the Lenten sermons there with such success that he found himself subsequently called to preach in most of the large cities in Italy. His style was always carefully adapted to the spiritual needs of his listeners, and his obvious sanctity readily captured their hearts.
His prodigious memory enabled him to master German, French, Czech, and Spanish, besides Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and his native Italian. Indeed, it was owing to his excellent knowledge of Hebrew that Pope Clement VIII called him to Rome to instruct the Jewish populace, and he made many converts. In 1602, the Capuchins elected him as their general, but he refused re-election three years later.
During that period, the Turks posed an increasing threat to Europe despite their naval power being weakened at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Sultan Mohammed III had, since his accession in 1595, was able to conquer a large part of Hungary. At the behest of Emperor Rudolf, Lawrence obtained much-needed help from the various German princes to oppose the formidable Turkish armies. With unwavering confidence, Lawrence successfully inspired his group of 18,000 soldiers, leading them into battle with a raised Crucifix in hand. Their enthusiasm and bravery were so powerful that they managed to rout the Turkish army of 80,000 at Stuhlweissenburg.
Lawrence died from illness while on a mission to Philip III of Spain to advocate for the oppressed citizens of Naples who were being ruled by their despotic Viceroy, P. Giron. His remains were laid to rest in the Spanish diocese of Astorga's Church of the Poor Clares in Villafranca del Bierzo. He enjoys the exceptional distinction of serving the Church as a popular preacher, missionary, polemicist, religious leader, and diplomat. Pope Leo XIII canonized Lawrence on 8 December 1881, and Pope John XXIII declared him Doctor of the Universal Church on 19 March 1959.
St. Lawrence of Brindisi, pray for us to be filled with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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