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Joined the Capuchin Friars at age 16. Studied theology, the Bible, French,
German, Greek, Spanish, Syriac, and Hebrew at the University of Padua.
Priest. Taught theology. Served as linguist and military chaplain. Famous,
effective and forceful preacher in any of his several languages. Wrote
catechisms.
Diplomat. Rallied the German princes to fight the Turks, and was asked to
lead the army into battle carrying no weapon but a crucifix; the Turks
were completely defeated.
Master general of his order in 1602. Carried out important and successful
peace missions to Munich and Madrid.
In 1956, the Capuchin order compiled fifteen volumes of his sermons,
letters and writings. Proclaimed Apostolic Doctor of the Church by Pope
John XXIII in 1959.
Born
22 July 1559 at Brindisi, Italy
Died
21 July 1619 at Lisbon, Portugal
Canonized
1881 by Pope Leo XIII
Readings
God is love, and all his operations proceed from love. Once he wills to
manifest that goodness by sharing his love outside himself, then the
Incarnation becomes the supreme manifestation of his goodness and love and
glory. So, Christ was intended before all other creatures and for his own
sake. For him all things were created and to him all things must be
subject, and God loves all creatures in and because of Christ. Christ is
the first-born of every creature, and the whole of humanity as well as the
created world finds its foundation and meaning in him. Moreover, this
would have been the case even if Adam had not sinned.
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
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