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St. Lawrence entered the Venetian province of the Capuchin Friars when he was 16 years old. He had an extraordinary memory and is said to have known the entire bible by heart. He spoke many languages and was an excellent preacher and diplomat. In 1600 he led a group of Capuchin friars from Italy to Prague on foot and established the Capuchin order in Bohemia. When building their church in Prague the Capuchins refused the services of the court architect offered them by the Emperor, and did the building work themselves in accordance with the principles of their order. Only a few craftsmen helped them with the work. They started the construction work by erecting a cross. St. Lawrence later returned to Prague at the invitation of the Emperor Rudolf II. Once again he came on foot. He remained in Prague for two years and spent much of his time preaching. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII. His legacy: Poverty, humility, learning, and perfect knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. |
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