Saint Lawrence of Brindisi.

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi was one of the greates preachers and theologians of the Catholic Church.He was born on July 22,1599 in Brindisi,in southem Italy. His baptismal name was Giulio Cesare Russo.

At an early age he showed remarkable intelligence and gift for languages.After entering the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin,he took the religious name Lawrence.He mastered Latin,Greek,Hebrew,Syriac,Fernen,French, Spanish and several other languages.

Lawrence became famous aß an outstanding preacher.His sermons were rooted in Sacred Scripture and inspired countless people to return to the faith.He defended the Catholic faith during the tíme of the Protestan Reformation with charity,lerning,and persuasive preaching.

Saint Lawrence had a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to  the Holy Eucharist.His writings reveal a deep love for Christ and a through knowledge of the Bible.

He died on July 1619 in Lissabon,while on a diplomatic mission.He was canonized in 1881 by Pope Leo XIII. In 1959 Pope John XXIII declared him a Doctor of the Church, recognized the enduring value of his teaching.