St. Lawrence of Brindisi
Feast 07-21 · Canonized 1881
Patron of
About
Lawrence of Brindisi was born in 1559 in the Kingdom of Naples and joined the Capuchin Franciscans as a young man. He was a gifted scholar who mastered many languages, including Hebrew, Greek, Syriac, and several modern tongues, and he could preach fluently in them all.
He served as a diplomat and military chaplain, and in 1601 he led the Christian army into battle at Szekesfehervar carrying only a crucifix, helping to secure victory against a much larger Ottoman force.
Lawrence was elected Minister General of the Capuchins and traveled widely, preaching and reforming. He died in Lisbon in 1619 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1959. He is venerated as the patron saint of linguists and translators.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave St. Lawrence of Brindisi mastery of many tongues and courage to lead an army into battle carrying only a crucifix, grant through his intercession that linguists and translators may carry the Gospel across every border. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
