Also: Lawrence, or Laurence, of Brindisi Born at Brindisi in
1559; died at Lisbon on 22 July, 1619. In baptism he received
the names of Julius Caesar. Guglielmo de Rossi – or Guglielmo
Russi, according to a contemporary writer – was his father’s
name; his mother was Elisabetta Masella. Both were excellent
Christians. Of a precocious piety, Lorenzo gave early evidence
of a religious vocation. The Conventuals of Brindisi were
entrusted with his education. His progress in his studies was
very rapid, and, when barely six, he had already given
indication of his future success in oratory. Consequently, he
was always the one chosen to address, in accordance with the
Italian custom, a short sermon to his compatriots on the Infant
Jesus during the Christmas festivities. When he was twelve years
of age his father died. He then pursued his studies at Venice
with the clerics of Saint Mark’s and under the supervision of
one of his uncles. In 1575 he was received into the Order of
Capuchins under the name of Brother Lorenz