This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
Saint Laurence of Brindisi was a brilliant Capuchin Franciscan priest, renowned linguist, prolific preacher, and Doctor of the Church, celebrated for his profound theological writings and diplomatic efforts in defense of Christendom.
Saint Laurence of Brindisi (1559-1619) was a distinguished Capuchin Franciscan friar, theologian, and Doctor of the Church, whose exceptional linguistic abilities allowed him to master numerous languages, including Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic, which he utilized for effective preaching and scriptural scholarship. As a prolific writer, his extensive theological works, particularly his commentaries on the Bible and Marian treatises, solidified his reputation as a profound intellectual and spiritual guide, earning him the title "Apostolic Doctor." Beyond his academic and pastoral contributions, he served as Vicar General of his order and played crucial diplomatic roles, notably in rallying Christian forces against the Ottoman Empire, thus exemplifying a life dedicated to both intellectual pursuit and active service to the Church.
Born Giulio Cesare Russo on July 22, 1559, in Brindisi, Kingdom of Naples (modern-day Italy), Saint Laurence of Brindisi was destined for a life of profound intellectual and spiritual impact. His parents, Francesco Russo and Elisabetta Forgiese, provided him with an early education, initially with the Conventual Franciscans in his hometown. Following the untimely death of his father, Giulio was sent to Venice, where he continued his studies at the College of St. Mark under the guidance of his uncle. At the tender age of 16, in 1575, he embraced the call to religious life, entering the Capuchin Franciscan order in Verona and taking the name Laurence. His rigorous formation continued at the prestigious University of Padua, where he delved deeply into philosophy and theology, laying the groundwork for his future as a preeminent scholar and Doctor of the Church.
In the year 1601, the heart of Europe trembled under the relentless advance of the Ottoman Turks. Imperial forces, a coalition of Christian soldiers, found themselves besieged at Székesfehérvår (Alba Regalis) in Hungary, their morale flagging, their numbers seemingly insufficient against the formidable enemy. It was into this desperate scene that Father Laurence of Brindisi, then Vicar General of the Capuchin Order, arrived. He was not a general, nor a seasoned warrior, but a friar, slight in build, yet mighty in spirit and eloquence.
He had been sent by Emperor Rudolf II to rally the Christian princes, and now he stood before the beleaguered troops. Dressed in his simple Capuchin habit, with a crucifix held aloft, he mounted his horse and rode to the front lines. His voice, usually reserved for scholarly discourse and fervent sermons, now boomed across the battlefield, addressing the disheartened soldiers in their various tongues â German, Italian, Spanish. He reminded them not of earthly glory, but of the sacred cause: the defense of Christendom, the glory of God, and the protection of their families and faith.
âForward, soldiers of Christ!â he cried, his words infused with an almost supernatural power. âThe Lord is with us! Let us fight for the Cross, for our faith, and for our homeland!â His fiery exhortations, delivered with an unshakeable conviction, ignited a spark in the hearts of the weary men. He rode ahead of them, crucifix held high, seemingly oblivious to the arrows and cannon fire that rained down. Legend says he was miraculously protected, emerging unscathed from the thickest of the fighting.
Inspired by his courage and unwavering faith, the Christian forces, previously on the verge of retreat, surged forward with renewed vigor. What followed was a decisive victory. The Ottomans, caught off guard by this unexpected resurgence, were routed, and Székesfehérvår was liberated. Saint Laurence, the scholar and preacher, had proven himself a spiritual general, demonstrating that true strength lay not merely in arms, but in an unyielding faith and the power of divine inspiration, profoundly revealing his character as a man wholly dedicated to God's service and fearless in the face of grave danger.
Late 16th to early 17th century
The Word of God is the light by which we distinguish the truth from falsehood, good from evil, the just from the unjust. It is the fire that ignites our hearts with divine love, consumes our vices, and purifies our souls. It is the strength that fortifies us against temptation, sustains us in tribulation, and gives us victory over our enemies. This Word is Christ himself, the eternal Wisdom of the Father, who became flesh for our salvation. He is the living Word, through whom all things were made, and without whom nothing that was made has been made. He is the Word of life, who gives life to the dead, sight to the blind, and hearing to the deaf. This Word, spoken by God the Father, is not merely an external sound, but an interior light that illuminates the mind and a divine fire that inflames the will. It is by this light that we come to know God and his truth, and by this fire that we are moved to love Him above all things and to embrace His holy will. The Word of God is truly a spiritual food, a heavenly manna, that nourishes our souls and strengthens us for the journey of life. Without this Word, our souls would wither and die, just as our bodies would without physical nourishment. Therefore, let us open our hearts to receive this divine Word, for it is the seed of eternal life. Let us meditate upon it day and night, so that it may take deep root within us and bear fruit in abundance. Let us not be hearers only, but doers of the Word, putting into practice what we learn, for it is by our deeds that our faith is made perfect. Let us preach this Word with boldness and zeal, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. Let us live by this Word, for it is our life, our truth, and our way to the Father. This Word, which is Christ, is the perfect model of humility, obedience, poverty, and charity. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and humbled himself even to death on a cross. He was obedient to the Father's will in all things, even to the point of suffering and death. He embraced poverty, having nowhere to lay his head, yet enriching many through his divine grace. He loved us with an infinite love, giving his very life for our redemption. Let us imitate this divine Word, striving to conform our lives to His, for in Him alone do we find true peace and eternal happiness. Let us, then, embrace this divine Word, Christ Jesus, with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength. Let us allow Him to transform us, to purify us, and to sanctify us. For it is only by living in Him and through Him that we can fulfill the purpose for which we were created: to know, to love, and to serve God in this life, and to be happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.
March 19, 1959
Even from his earliest years, Our Saint, endowed with outstanding intellectual gifts, applied himself to the study of letters and sacred sciences with such diligence that he soon attained an admirable knowledge of them. Having entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, he pursued his studies in philosophy and theology at the University of Padua, where he acquired a profound erudition, becoming proficient not only in Latin but also in Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, and Chaldean, and also in French, Spanish, German, and other languages. This extraordinary linguistic ability, coupled with his deep knowledge of Sacred Scripture, enabled him to become a most effective preacher, capable of addressing diverse peoples and refuting the errors of the time with compelling arguments. Indeed, his activity as a preacher was prodigious. He traversed almost all of Europe, proclaiming the Word of God with such fervor and clarity that he moved countless souls to conversion and a more fervent Christian life. His sermons, delivered extemporaneously, were imbued with profound theological doctrine, yet expressed in a simple and accessible manner, captivating the hearts of his listeners. He tirelessly combated the errors of Protestantism, not with harshness, but with charity and solid arguments drawn from Scripture and tradition, thus bringing many back to the unity of the Catholic faith. His extraordinary virtues and talents did not go unnoticed by his Superiors, who elected him Vicar General of the Capuchin Order for several terms. In this high office, he proved himself a wise and prudent leader, dedicated to fostering the spiritual renewal of the Order, promoting strict observance of the Rule, and expanding the Capuchin presence throughout Europe. He established new provinces, reformed existing ones, and sent missionaries to distant lands, always with an eye to the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Beyond his duties within the Order, he rendered invaluable service to the Apostolic See and to Christian princes. He was sent as an envoy by Clement VIII to Emperor Rudolf II to persuade the German princes to unite against the invading Ottoman Turks. At the Battle of Székesfehérvår (Alba Regalis) in 1601, he bravely rode before the Christian army, crucifix in hand, inspiring the soldiers with his words and his intrepid example, leading them to a decisive victory. He also served as nuncio to Spain, mediating disputes and promoting peace, always placing the interests of the Church and Christian unity above all else. His literary output is immense, comprising fifteen folio volumes of his 'Opera Omnia.' His theological works, especially his Mariale, a commentary on the Salve Regina, and his extensive biblical commentaries, reveal a profound grasp of Sacred Scripture, patristic theology, and scholastic doctrine. He defended the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary long before its dogmatic definition and elucidated many other truths of faith with clarity and erudition. His writings are not merely academic treatises but are imbued with a deep spirituality and a pastoral concern for the salvation of souls, truly earning him the title 'Apostolic Doctor'.