Pope Leo XIV cited Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection's book, The Practice of the Presence of God, as central to his own spirituality. Brother Lawrence, born Nicolas Herman in 1614, was a 17th-century Carmelite whose writings detail his spiritual journey. A pivotal moment for Brother Lawrence was witnessing a leafless tree in winter, which inspired a profound realization of God's providence. After military service and failed attempts at hermitage and serving as a footman, Brother Lawrence eventually found his path. The article raises the question of why Brother Lawrence has not yet been canonized as a saint.
11 days ago
Pope Leo XIV highlighted "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence as key to his spirituality during a December 2025 flight from Turkey and Lebanon.1
He wrote the introduction for a Vatican reprint of the book, praising its simple path to living in God's presence amid daily life.1
Leo XIV referenced it again when questioned about prayer at the Blue Mosque, emphasizing constant inner prayer.1
Born Nicolas Herman in 1614 in France, Brother Lawrence had a peasant upbringing and sparse biographical details.1
A teenage vision of a barren winter tree sparked his love for God, symbolizing divine providence.1
Military service left him injured and limping; failed attempts at hermitage and domestic service followed.1
At 26, he joined the Discalced Carmelites as a lay brother, serving as cook and sandal-maker.1
Early religious life brought struggles, but he found peace by abandoning complex devotions for constant awareness of God's presence.1
He described this as simple attention to God in all actions, transforming ordinary tasks.1
Visitors sought his guidance; after his 1691 death, his writings and conversations were compiled into the influential book.1
Pope Leo XIV calls Brother Lawrence's approach arduous yet transformative, akin to mystics like St. Teresa of Ávila.1
It guided Leo during perilous times in Peru and remains relevant for the third millennium.1
The book teaches that no circumstance separates us from God if lived in His presence.1
Brother Lawrence may be a holy soul in heaven, but lacks formal sainthood.1
No canonization process has started due to insufficient evidence, rigorous requirements like documented virtues and two miracles, and high costs.1
The Church recognizes countless uncanonized saints; his cause awaits viable promotion.1
Does Brother Lawrence’s lack of canonization reflect Catholic criteria for sainthood?
Brother Lawrence, identified in Catholic tradition as St. Lawrence of Brindisi (born Giulio Cesare Russo, entered religious life as Brother Lorenzo in 1575), was canonized in 1881, fully reflecting the Church's criteria for sainthood. His life exemplified heroic virtue, profound theological contributions, and a reputation for holiness, aligning precisely with the rigorous process outlined in Church norms. There is no evidence in provided sources of a "Brother Lawrence" lacking canonization; rather, the references highlight his fulfillment of these standards.
The figure known as Brother Lawrence corresponds to Lorenzo da Brindisi (1559–1619), a Capuchin friar whose early religious name was Brother Lorenzo. From a pious family, he showed precocious piety and oratorical talent, entering the Capuchins at age 16 after studies in Venice. His rapid progress in philosophy, theology, languages (including Semitic tongues), and mastery of Scripture marked him as exceptional.
"Such unusual talents, added to a rare virtue, fitted Brother Lorenzo for the most diverse missions."
He is distinct from the 3rd-century deacon-martyr St. Lawrence (d. 258), renowned for charity, and other figures like St. Lawrence of Canterbury. No source describes a non-canonized "Brother Lawrence."
Lawrence of Brindisi was canonized on 8 December 1881 by Pope Leo XIII and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1959 by Bl. Pope John XXIII, earning the title Doctor Apostolicus for his biblical exegesis, theology, sermons, and Mariology.
"He was canonized in 1881, and his vigorous and intense activity, his vast and harmonious knowledge, earned him the title of Doctor Apostolicus..."
This process followed the Church's formal procedures, involving examination of his life, virtues, and miracles.
Canonization declares a deceased person in heaven, worthy of universal veneration, based on moral certitude of heroic virtue (or martyrdom) and miracles. The process, governed by norms like Divinus Perfectionis Magister (1983) and Sanctorum Mater (2007), requires:
| Criterion | Key Requirements | Supporting Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation of Holiness | Opinion among faithful of heroic virtues | Art. 4-5, Sanctorum Mater |
| Heroic Virtues/Martyrdom | Examined life, death, intercession | Art. 1, Sanctorum Mater |
| Miracles | Moral certitude via inquiry | Diocesan miracle inquiry |
| Process Initiation | Petition to bishop, postulator, proofs | Arts. 8, 10-13, Sanctorum Mater |
Ancient saints like Deacon Lawrence were recognized via early veneration and papal acts, evolving into modern scrutiny.
Lawrence of Brindisi's canonization affirms he met all criteria:
His lack of canonization does not apply; instead, it exemplifies success. Deacon Lawrence's ancient status similarly reflects charity as Church treasure.
"Lawrence has always remained present in the Church's memory as a great exponent of ecclesial charity."
No sources indicate deficiency; divergent legends (e.g., gridiron martyrdom details) do not undermine core historicity.
Brother Lawrence's canonization directly reflects—and validates—Catholic criteria, showcasing heroic virtue and ecclesial impact. Not all holy lives lead to canonization due to process demands, but his does without reservation. For contemporary causes, consult the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.