Lawrence was born on July 21, 1559, at Brindisi, a town in the Kingdom of Naples in Italy. As a young boy of sixteen he joined the Capuchin Society, which is a branch of the Franciscan Order. Lawrence was a man of many parts – a brilliant scholar in Sacred Scriptures, an eloquent preacher, a skilful administrator, a military tactician, a successful peacemaker and an accomplished linguist who could speak fluently seven languages. Due to his mastery in Hebrew,Pope Clement VIII commissioned him to preach to the Jews of Italy. It was a successful venture. Lawrence was not only a man of prayer but of action too. When the European Generals intended to confront and checkmate the intrusion of the Turkish forces into Europe, they sought his guidance and strategy. Lawrence rode before the Christian army with a huge Crucifix, infused courage into the hearts of troops and eventually routed the Turks at Szekes-Fehervar in 1601. He was also a great peacemaker between nations. As Papal Nuncio, he shuttled from one kingdom to another – Venice, Bavaria, Germany, Spain, Portugal – to negotiate peace and co-operation between the Christian States. Worn out by age, travels and work, Lawrence breathed his last on July 22, 1619, which coincided with his 60th birthday. He was declared a saint in 1881 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1959.
Reflection: Though war could be justified on the ground of legitimate self-defense, the force used should not exceed what is required to stem the aggression. The focal point should be peace – not destruction or annihilation of the aggressor. The dictum “If you want peace, prepare for war” is a fallacy. War begets war while peace begets peace.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Sons of God. (Mt.5: 9)
