Lawrence of Brindisi, Saint [key], 1559–1619, Italian Capuchin priest, Doctor of the Church, b. Brindisi, kingdom of Naples, as Cesare De Rossi. He joined the Capuchin Friars at the age of 16, then studied theology and languages at the Univ. of Padua. Ordained in 1582, he taught theology and preached in several languages. In 1599 he was enlisted to preach against Protestantism in Austria and Bohemia, and was then appointed head chaplain of the army of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1601 he was credited with inspiring the army to victory at Székesfehérvár against a larger force of Ottoman Turks. Following a period as vicar general of the Capuchin Friars (1602–5), he then evangelized in Germany. Lawrence was sent on many diplomatic missions by Pope Paul V and also served as papal nuncio to Bavaria and Spain. Feast: July 21.
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