St. Lawrence Brindisi July 21st

 

Today, let us be inspired by St. Lawrence’s devotion to Mary, His love for our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist, His preaching of Catholic doctrine, and his courage as he held a crucifix in battle. May we too, grow in love for Mary, Our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist, fearlessly stand up for our faith, and carry our cross into the battle of everyday life.

 Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Lawrence, who was born in Brindisi, Italy in 1559. From his earliest years, he was given many gifts of nature and grace. When he was only 6 years old, he preached in the Cathedral, with such force, many were deeply affected. When he was twelve years old, as was the custom in Italy, he preached, in remembrance of the preaching of Jesus in the temple, who preached for the first time at the same age.

He became a Franciscan Capuchin, when he was only 16 years old, and was a model of perfection. He was a model brother, punctual in all community exercises, and perfectly submissive to superiors, and was full of respect and charity, towards all.

As a tremendous preacher, Lawrence preached fluently in 7 different languages. He attributed his talents to Mary, the seat of wisdom, whom he honored with special devotion. His writings are made up of 15 large volumes, mostly sermons. One volume is a masterful exposition of Catholic doctrine, about the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Because he was a highly successful preacher, he was called to Rome, and entrusted with the conversion of the Jews. His thorough knowledge of the Hebrew language, won the esteem of rabbis, and with his gentle manner, led many to baptism.

In 1598, he was sent to Germany, with eleven other friars to establish a Capuchin friary to preach against the heresy of Luther, which was gaining a foothold in Austria.

The emperor later entrusted to St. Lawrence the task of organizing a crusade against the Turks, who were threatening to invade the whole of Christianity. Father Lawrence, as chief chaplain of the army of archduke Mathias, went to Hungary in 1601, to war against the Turks. While in battle, despite his severe arthritis, he mounted his horse, and with crucifix in hand, rode at the head of the troops into battlefield, giving the men great courage.

Later in his life, while offering the sacrifice of the Mass in Munich, our Lord appeared after the elevation in the form of a Child, who lovingly caressed St. Lawrence.

Frequently, the holy man was so affected during the celebration of the Holy Mass, that he would shed copious tears. Altar cloths, which became wet with his tears, were later used to cure the sick.

On the feast of Mary Magdalene, July 22^nd, 1619, he fell very ill at Lisbon, Portugal. After devoutly receiving the last sacraments, he fell into ecstasy, and went to embrace the Lord.

Today, let us be inspired by St. Lawrence’s devotion to Mary, His love for our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist, His preaching of Catholic doctrine, and his courage as he held a crucifix in battle. May we too, grow in love for Mary, Our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist, fearlessly stand up for our faith, and carry our cross into the battle of everyday life.