Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Giulio Cesare Russo was born at Brindisi in 1559 and joined the Capuchins at Verona, taking the name Lawrence. He had a gift for languages, learning Hebrew, Greek and several modern tongues, and was known for his knowledge of the Bible. He was sent to found houses of his order in Austria, Bohemia and Germany and became minister general in 1602.

In 1601 he was chaplain to the imperial army fighting the Ottomans in Hungary, and at the battle of Székesfehérvár rode ahead of the troops holding a crucifix. He also served on diplomatic missions for the pope and the Catholic princes. In 1619, sent to Spain to plead with King Philip III for the people of Naples against their viceroy, he died in Lisbon on 22 July. He was named a Doctor of the Church in 1959.