Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, renowned for his extraordinary language proficiency, mastered not just his native Italian but also Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish, and French. This unique ability set the stage for his extraordinary contributions to the Christian faith.

Born on July 22, 1559, Lawrence, then known as Julius Caesar or Caesare in Italian, tragically lost his parents at a young age. His upbringing was overseen by his uncle, who ensured he received a quality education at the College of St. Mark in Venice.

Lawrence’s journey into spiritual life began when he joined the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Venice at the young age of 16, and it was here that he adopted his new name. His intellectual journey continued as he pursued studies in philosophy and theology at the University of Padua, eventually being ordained a priest at 23.

Lawrence’s linguistic skills allowed him to study the Bible in its original languages. His profound understanding of Hebrew so impressed the Jewish rabbis that they suspected he was a converted Jew. His contributions to Christian-Jewish dialogue were so significant that Pope Clement VIII enlisted him to preach to the Jews in Italy.

Over time, Lawrence’s scholarly work took form, culminating in a 15-volume edition of his writings published by the Capuchins in 1956. These works largely consisted of sermons rooted deeply in scriptural quotations, highlighting his commitment to biblical teachings. He also penned a commentary on Genesis and multiple treatises challenging Martin Luther’s doctrines.

Simultaneously, Lawrence was ascending the ranks of the Capuchin Order due to his combination of scholarly brilliance, human compassion, and leadership skills. At only 31, he was elected the major superior of the Capuchin Franciscan province of Tuscany. His effectiveness in leadership was recognized widely, leading to his election as the minister general of the Capuchins in 1602. Under his leadership, the Order experienced significant growth and expansion.

Beyond his administrative duties, Lawrence also served as a papal emissary and peacemaker, roles that took him to various foreign lands. A peace mission in his native kingdom of Naples even led him to Lisbon to engage with the king of Spain. Unfortunately, it was during this journey that he fell seriously ill, leading to his demise in 1619.

Lawrence’s impact was commemorated through his canonization in 1881 and his proclamation as a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
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14 COMMENTS

    • @Edward — you cannot be serious! Tongue-in-cheek, right? Otherwise you might want to actually read the article and find words like “early death of parents”. (He could have used it as an excuse to “hate” God.) Or, “with his facility for languages”. (We all have particular gifts God wants us to use for His greater honor and glory. Have you found yours?) And, “sensitivity to the needs of people…”. (I guess you can fill that one in.) Maybe you’re not “brilliant… or have admins. skills” but you have what God gave you. And God wants you to use it for his greater honor and glory and your salvation.

  2. @Edward — you cannot be serious! Tongue-in-cheek, right? Otherwise you might want to actually read the article and find words like “early death of parents”. (He could have used it as an excuse to “hate” God.) Or, “with his facility for languages”. (We all have particular gifts God wants us to use for His greater honor and glory. Have you found yours?) And, “sensitivity to the needs of people…”. (I guess you can fill that one in.) Maybe you’re not “brilliant… or have admins. skills” but you have what God gave you. And God wants you to use it for his greater honor and glory and your salvation.

  3. Work hard, study, be kind to others. Do your part and pray asking God to help you be the man he would have you be. Following His path for your life will lead to fulfillment and happiness.

  7. Edward,
    All declared Saints have much to teach us. Each one came to their unique perfection of their unique gifts and thus can witness in all goodness, beauty and truth of the mysteries of God. This St was also named a “Doctor” of the Church. This means he is even more elevated as one we can learn so much from and help each of us grow and flourish into the fullness of self, that God intended. They (Saints), are like a good instrument, a map, to help us all to find our way to our ultimate Truth and Union, destiny which is through, with, in, of and for God, and overflows into and for the lives of others in love and service – all for the Glory of God and the salvation of souls. God bless you in you journey – keep an open heart and mind to the Truth that is FOR you in the Church and the Saints. Keep your senses pure and guarded. Become a member of the “Angelic Warfare Confraternity” which will be of great help in the humility and purity we have to acquire to become fully alive and aware. You will gain understanding, receive help forming, and guarding all the faculties of your soul. Promulgate this to help others. Keep your eyes focused on God and our end – which is eternity with God. This will benefit you and all you meet. LEARN the faith handed down to us by the “Fathers of the Church”, LEARN Philosophy in the (right) way – read and learn from the classics – get m/read the Great Books list, so you can GROW in the faith and LIVE the faith and therefore come to truly know yourself, God, others, and help proclaim the GOSPEL OF GOD who is LOVE by your witness. May God Bless and keep you – always start the day with the simple guardian angel prayer and the morning offering. Take Mary as your special guide as she is the best teacher, with the purest intent/heart only wanting to bring all of her spiritual children of which we (all) are, by the gift of her to John by Jesus at the foot of the cross. Do these and all prayer not only in your head or with your lips but FROM the DEPTHS of your heart…
    Through, With and In His Love,
    Darlys

    PS. Everything in the Church has a depth, beauty and purpose – nothing is dull, void, boring, untrue or lacking – except everyone of our lives lived fully integrated into it and then coming fully alive in Christ to manisfest and animate the world…
    “Thy Kingdom Come”

  8. St. Lawrence of Brindisi, please pray for and intercede with Our Lord to send his Holy Spirit to help my younger daughter lose her bad habits, figure out responsible living, and use her numerous intellectual gifts to help those less fortunate than herself. Thank you in advance for this hoped for favor.

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