Saint Lawrence, born around 1125, faced a turbulent childhood. At the tender age of ten, he was handed over as a hostage to Dermod Mac Murehad, the King of Leinster. This period was marked by harsh treatment until his father intervened, ensuring Lawrence’s transfer to the care of the Bishop of Glendalough in Wicklow.

Demonstrating remarkable spiritual maturity, Lawrence became a beacon of virtue. His commitment led to his election as abbot of the monastery at just twenty-five, after the bishop’s passing in 1150. His tenure as abbot was distinguished by his exemplary leadership and wisdom.

In 1161, Lawrence’s virtues led to his unanimous selection as the first Archbishop of Dublin. His responsibilities soon extended beyond Ireland. Around 1171, he journeyed to England to meet King Henry II in Canterbury for diocesan matters.

During this visit, while preparing to officiate a service, he was violently struck on the head by a maniac, hoping to replicate the martyrdom of St. Thomas. Miraculously, after blessing and applying water to his wound, Lawrence recovered swiftly and proceeded to celebrate Mass.

His diplomatic skills shone in 1175 during a mission to reconcile Henry II with Roderic, the Irish monarch. Lawrence’s piety and wisdom impressed Henry, who entrusted him with full negotiation powers, resulting in a successful outcome.

Saint Lawrence’s earthly journey concluded on November 14, 1180. He was laid to rest in the abbey church at Eu, on the Normandy border. His life and deeds are commemorated annually on his feast day, November 14th.

Photo credit: Syrio via Wikimedia Commons
Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

12 COMMENTS

  1. I am from India….Thank you for putting in fb ‘life of the saints’ as very little is known to us about the saints…please keep on publishing about it…Its really nice to see daily readings,catholic news , informations etc on fb…Thank you.

  2. Dear St. Lawrence,

    Please pray and intercede for my sister. Please negotiate on her behalf in the face of her enemies as you have much experience with tyrants and maniacs. She is in desperate need, as is her son and daughter. Thank you for your intercession and concern.

    AMEN

  3. St. Laurence O’Toole, man of peace, You were in the middle of family and political conflict from your earliest days. Give the gift of peace and hope to all who experience the trauma of division in families, in communities and among nations. St. Laurence O’Toole, man of prayer, you recognized the call to serve the Lord in a particular way at Glendalough. Give the gift of perseverance to all who are discerning their Christian vocation at this time. St. Laurence O’Toole, man of faith, you had the openness to accept a position of leadership in your community at an early age. Bless our young people with a spirit of generosity to offer themselves in the service of the Gospel. St. Laurence O’Toole, man of prayer, you inspired people by your commitment to the spiritual life and the recitation of the Prayer of the Church. Fill us with that desire to pray in communion with each other throughout each day. St. Laurence O’Toole, man of faith, you opened your heart and your doors to those who were poor. Increase our awareness of those in need and inspire us to act with justice and charity at all times. St. Laurence O’Toole, man of prayer, you were respected for your commitment to your Church and to your country. Grant us the grace to live in this world while always reflecting the eternal values of the kingdom. St. Laurence O’Toole, man of peace, you gave your last ounce of energy in the cause of peace. Give us the gift of tirelessness as we try to live as instruments of Christ’s peace, love and tolerance. Amen.

  4. Saint Lawrence O’Toole pray for us. For kidnapped, trafficked or abandoned children. Preserve their innocence according to God’s natural moral law.
    All holy men and women, martyrs, saints, angels, pray for us.
    Ecce Crucem Domini!
    Fugite partes adversae!
    Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
    Radix David! Alleluia!
    Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us. Exorcise Italy/Vatican.

  5. Did you know that notes like these that come through your website’s contact page are in effect an excellent way to get more sales for your online business? How exactly do we do this? Super easy, we create an ad for your online business and we blast it out to tons of contact forms on any site in any business niche or location you like. Do ads like these work well? Well you’re reading this now aren’t you? The awesome thing is, this won’t cost you much more than a cup of coffee a day! Want more info? fire off a quick email to: HansenAndyc65833@gmail.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here