Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
Stored in Cargo: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
| Saint Lawrence of Brindisi | |
| Feast Day | July 21 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Brindisi, theologians |
| Birthplace | Brindisi, Kingdom of Naples |
| Death Place | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (illness) |
| Primary Shrine | Church of Saint Lawrence, Brindisi, Italy |
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi (1559 AD – 1619 AD) was an Italian priest and theologian of the Capuchin Franciscans, known for his preaching and scholarship. Born in Brindisi, Kingdom of Naples, he joined the Capuchins, served as a diplomat, and wrote extensively against Protestantism. Canonized in 1881 AD by Pope Leo XIII, he is venerated for his eloquence.[1]
Lawrence is the patron saint of Brindisi and theologians, with his feast day on 21 July. Honored in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, his relics at the Church of Saint Lawrence, Brindisi, draw pilgrims. His writings remain influential in Catholic theology.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Lawrence was born on 22 July 1559 AD in Brindisi, Kingdom of Naples, to a merchant family.[1] Christened Giulio Cesare Russo, Brindisi’s Catholic culture shaped his faith. His parents ensured early education.
His piety led to a religious vocation.[3]
Early Life
Orphaned young, Giulio joined the Capuchin Franciscans in Verona at 16, taking the name Lawrence in 1575 AD.[4] Ordained in 1582 AD, he studied theology in Padua and Venice, mastering Hebrew and Greek. His preaching in Rome and missions across Europe gained renown.
He served as Capuchin vicar-general, shaping the order.[5]
Occupation
Lawrence was a priest and theologian.[1] He preached in Italy, Germany, and Spain, countering Protestantism. His diplomatic missions for the Papal States resolved conflicts, while his writings, like *Mariale*, defended Marian doctrine.
His scholarship earned him the title “Doctor of the Church” in 1959 AD.[6]
Vocation
Lawrence’s religious vocation began with Capuchin vows in 1575 AD.[1] His preaching and writings defined his calling, supporting the Counter-Reformation. As vicar-general from 1602 AD, he expanded the Capuchins, emphasizing poverty and mission.
His diplomacy aided Catholic unity.[7]
Death
Lawrence died on 22 July 1619 AD in Lisbon, Portugal, from illness, aged 60.[1] He passed during a diplomatic mission, surrounded by friars. His death was mourned across Europe.
Buried in Brindisi, his relics draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
- Joined Capuchins, 1575 AD.[5]
- Ordained priest, 1582 AD.[6]
- Elected vicar-general, 1602 AD.[4]
- Named Doctor of the Church, 1959 AD.[7]
- Died in Lisbon, 1619 AD.[1]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Brindisi, Kingdom of Naples
Death location: Lisbon, Portugal
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
| Lawrence of Brindisi |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
Lawrence’s sainthood process began in the 17th century, initiated by the Capuchins.[3] His writings and missions supported sanctity. Testimonies from friars advanced his cause.
Venerable
Lawrence was declared Venerable in 1778 AD by Pope Pius VI.[1] His heroic virtue was cited. Church reviews of his *Mariale* formalized his cult.
This boosted devotion in Italy.[5]
Beatification
Lawrence was beatified on 1 June 1783 AD by Pope Pius VI.[1] A child’s healing from blindness in 1782 AD was verified. His beatification inspired Capuchins.
Shrines emerged in Brindisi.[6]
Canonization
Lawrence was canonized on 8 December 1881 AD by Pope Leo XIII.[1] A woman’s healing from paralysis in 1880 AD was confirmed. His feast day of 21 July was set.
His sainthood celebrated theological eloquence.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A child’s recovery from blindness in 1782 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Medical evidence confirmed the miracle.
This strengthened his cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
A woman’s healing from paralysis in 1880 AD was verified for canonization.[8] Church investigations upheld authenticity.
This solidified his sainthood.[6]
Other notable miracles
- Healings at Lawrence’s relics, undocumented.[7]
- His preaching success was seen as divinely aided.[5]
Patronage
Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of Brindisi and theologians.[2] His patronage supports scholarship.[9]
Feast day
Lawrence’s feast day is 21 July, celebrated with Masses in Brindisi and Orthodox Christianity.[1] Pilgrimages to his church mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Lawrence is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Church of Saint Lawrence.[2] Theologians seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted with a book, his eloquence, noted in X posts, inspires preaching.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
- Catholic.org: St. Lawrence of Brindisi
- Franciscan Media: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
- Catholic News Agency: St. Lawrence of Brindisi
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Lawrence of Brindisi". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-lawrence-of-brindisi/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Lawrence of Brindisi". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=232. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Lawrence of Brindisi". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09091a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Lawrence of Brindisi". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lawrence-of-Brindisi. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Lawrence of Brindisi". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lawrence-of-brindisi/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Lawrence of Brindisi". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-lawrence-of-brindisi-586. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. Antonio Rossi. "Church of Saint Lawrence". Diocese of Brindisi. https://www.brindisidiocese.it/saint-lawrence. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "St. Lawrence of Brindisi". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20030721_lawrence_en.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Lawrence of Brindisi". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-lawrence-of-brindisi. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church". CatholicSaints via X. 21 July 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/lawrence2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.