St. Lawrence of Brindisi (1559–1619) was an Italian Capuchin friar of extraordinary gifts: a master of Hebrew, Greek and several modern languages, a preacher who could quote the Bible from memory in its original tongues, the minister general of his order, a peacemaker for popes and princes, and a chaplain who rode at the head of an imperial army against the Ottoman Turks holding only a crucifix. Pope St. John XXIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1959 with the title “Apostolic Doctor.” His feast day is July 21. Below are his story, Scripture and a prayer to St. Lawrence of Brindisi.
A short prayer to St. Lawrence of Brindisi, written for this page:
St. Lawrence, you used every gift God gave you to preach Christ and make peace.
Pray for preachers, teachers and peacemakers,
and help me to put my talents at the service of the Gospel. Amen.
Who was St. Lawrence of Brindisi?
Giulio Cesare Russo was born in Brindisi, in southern Italy, on July 22, 1559. Orphaned young, he studied in Venice and entered the Capuchin Franciscans at sixteen, taking the name Lawrence. He studied theology, philosophy and the biblical languages at Padua and became a celebrated preacher, sent by the pope to preach to the Jewish community of Rome, and to Germany and Bohemia, where he founded Capuchin friaries and debated Protestant theologians.
In 1601, as chaplain to the army of the Holy Roman Emperor fighting the Ottoman Turks in Hungary, he rode before the troops at the battle of Székesfehérvár with a crucifix in his hand, and the Christian army won. From 1602 to 1605 he served as minister general of the Capuchins, visiting the friaries of Europe on foot. Popes and the Catholic princes of Germany entrusted him with delicate diplomatic missions. He died in Lisbon on his birthday, July 22, 1619, while on a mission to the king of Spain on behalf of the people of Naples. He was canonized in 1881. His collected writings, which include a volume of sermons on the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Mariale), fill fifteen volumes.
Scripture
God’s promise of strength to those He sends (Isaias 41:10, Douay-Rheims):
Fear not, for I am with thee: turn not aside, for I am thy God: I have strengthened thee, and have helped thee, and the right hand of my just one hath upheld thee.
Feast day
The optional memorial of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and Doctor of the Church, is July 21.
Frequently asked questions
Why is St. Lawrence of Brindisi called the Apostolic Doctor?
Because of his tireless preaching and missionary work, which spread the faith across Europe.
What languages did St. Lawrence of Brindisi know?
Besides Latin and Italian, he knew Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian (Czech), Spanish and French.
When is his feast day?
July 21.
More saints
- Doctors of the Church
- Feast of St. Francis
- St. Anthony prayer
- Padre Pio prayer
- Patron saint of peace
- Saint of the day
Texts and sources
- Isaias 41:10 (Douay-Rheims).