St. Lawrence of Brindisi: Preacher, Peacemaker, and Scholar – Jul 21 – Homily – Fr Michael

 

Fr. Michael M. Gauvreau, FI gives the homily, on how St. Lawrence of Brindisi, an Apostolic Doctor and "Hammer of Heretics," exemplified tireless devotion, profound learning, and deep virtues like humility, obedience, and charity, fulfilling God's mission during the Reformation through powerful preaching, diplomacy, and prayer, serving as an enduring model for cultivating God-given talents and fundamental virtues.

Fr. Michael M. Gauvreau, FI highlights St. Lawrence of Brindisi, an Apostolic Doctor raised by God during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. Displaying extraordinary gifts from childhood, St. Lawrence preached fervently at six and later mastered numerous languages, including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and memorized all of Scripture. Entering the Capuchin order at 16, his life was marked by sanctity, especially obedience and humility.

As a Doctor of Philosophy and Theology, he was sent by the Pope to Germany to counteract the Reformation, becoming a formidable debater and "Hammer of Heretics." He also preached to Jews in Rome, amazing them with his scriptural knowledge. St. Lawrence was a tireless missionary, known for preaching to crowds of 30,000 for hours, acting as a peacemaker among kings, and even leading a crusade against Muslims, where he remained unharmed despite flying arrows. As Minister General of the Capuchins, he ensured proper formation for friars.

His profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he called "Seat of Wisdom," and his constant prayer, which he saw as inseparable from study, cultivated his natural talents. He experienced ecstasies during Mass, sometimes lasting 12 hours, leading to private celebrations and miraculous healings. St. Lawrence converted many Protestants and Jews, exemplifying a willingness to fulfill God's task with given talents, cultivated through deep prayer and Franciscan virtues of humility, poverty of spirit, and obedience. His life inspires us to embrace these fundamental virtues and trust in God's generosity.

Sixtus practically tackled problems accelerating Rome after Trent Council – https://airmaria.com/go/WYg3PF
Francis Xavier patron saint spreading Christianity as global missionary – https://airmaria.com/go/n5Tmcb
Matthew 28:19-20 – Go, make disciples of all nations – https://airmaria.com/go/rSePDB
CCC 849 – Church's missionary mandate to all – https://airmaria.com/go/J5u2ga
James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord – https://airmaria.com/go/mqp3Pn
CCC 2559 – Humility is foundation of prayer – https://airmaria.com/go/MjrdVY
CCC 799 – Charisms are graces for Church – https://airmaria.com/go/hKGzqR

00:00 - Introduction: God Raises Up Saints for Their Time
00:20 - The Early Life and Gifts of St. Lawrence of Brindisi
02:47 - St. Lawrence: Defender of Faith and Master Preacher
04:30 - Diplomat, Peacemaker, and Crusader
05:33 - Minister General and Life of Ecstasy
08:57 - St. Lawrence's Impact and the Source of His Graces
09:50 - The Enduring Virtues: An Example for All
11:33 - Cultivating Humility, Poverty of Spirit, and Devotion to Mary

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Lawrence of Brindisi - Feast - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=442
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072126.cfm
1st: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7 - Treasures in Jars of Clay
Resp: Psalms 40:2and 4ab, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11 - Thanksgiving and Petition
2nd: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 - Ministry of Reconciliation
Gsp: Mark 4:1-10, 13-20 - Parable of the Sower

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=680

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaZqfr34PsU