Lawrence of Brindisi

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Saint Lawrence of Brindisi OFMCap

Laurentius von Brindisi OFMCap , born Giulio Cesare Russo (born July 22, 1559 in Brindisi , † July 22, 1619 in Lisbon ) was an Italian Capuchin and theologian . In the Catholic Church he is venerated as a saint and doctor of the church .

Life

After the early death of his parents Giulio Cesare initially closed by the oblation of the Franciscans and then entered the convent of the Capuchins in Verona , where he the religious name Laurentius accepted. Until about 1583 Brother Laurentius studied theology and philosophy at the University of Padua and then at the Studio Teologico Laurentianum in Venice. He spoke six languages ​​fluently and, according to his own admission, was able to "write down the entire Bible from memory." In 1583 he began working as a teacher and preacher in the Venetian order province of the Capuchins. He soon made a name for himself as an eloquent preacher who focused primarily on preaching. Many of his sermons and interpretations have been preserved, including a widely recognized interpretation of Genesis .

From 1590, Br. Laurentius headed various religious provinces as Provincial . In 1599 he was sent to the German-speaking north by Pope Clement VIII as a representative of the Counter Reformation . Among other things, he was supposed to found a monastery in Prague at the suggestion of Emperor Rudolf II . Because of the plague epidemic that was prevalent there, however, he decided not to do so and instead turned to Vienna , where he was welcomed and established a convent with six friars. In 1601 he was present at the battle of the imperial troops against the Turks and, with his encouragement, is said to have played a major role in the conquest of the city and fortress Stuhlweissenburg by the imperial army (October 14, 1601).

After returning to Italy, Laurentius headed the Capuchins as Minister General from 1602 to 1605 . Later he worked as a peace broker in southern and western Europe. B. 1616/17 between Spain and Savoy . On one of these trips he died on his 60th birthday in Lisbon in 1619 and was buried in the poor cemetery in Villafranca del Bierzo in northern Spain .

canonization

Lawrence of Brindisi was canonized in 1881. John XXIII raised him on March 19, 1959 to the Church Doctor , where he gave this the nickname Doctor Apostolicus . The feast of the saint is celebrated on July 21st .

literature

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personal data
SURNAME Lawrence of Brindisi
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Russo, Giulio Cesare
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Italian theologian
DATE OF BIRTH July 22, 1559
PLACE OF BIRTH Brindisi
DATE OF DEATH July 22, 1619
Place of death Lisbon