St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Patron Saint of Brindisi

St. Lawrence of Brindisi was a gifted Capuchin theologian and linguist in the Counter-Reformation. Lawrence entered the Capuchins when he was 16 and was ordained a priest when he was 23. He used his great command of languages to preach to the Jewish population in Italy in their native Hebrew. He later used his linguistic skills to establish monasteries in Germany and Austria, combining his great intellect with the practical needs of a monastery to help them grow. Lawrence’s efforts in Germany and Austria helped bring back many Catholics in the region during the Counter-Reformation. In his later years, Lawrence became a trusted advisor to Capuchins, popes, and other church officials because of his experiences and command of many languages and cultures.