Lawrence Justinian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Lawrence Justinian |
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| Patriarch of Venice | |
Portrait by Gentile Bellini (1465)
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 1451 |
| Reign ended | 1456 |
| Predecessor | Post established |
| Successor | Maffio Contarini |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1407 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 July 1381 Venice, Republic of Venice |
| Died | January 8, 1456 (aged 74) Venice, Republic of Venice |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day |
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| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 7 October 1524, Rome, Papal States by Pope Clement VII |
| Canonized | 16 October 1690, Rome, Papal States by Pope Alexander VIII |
| Attributes | Episcopal vestments |
| Patronage | Patriarchate of Venice |
| Shrines | Basilica of San Pietro di Castello |
Lawrence Justinian (born July 1, 1381 – died January 8, 1456) was a Catholic priest from Venice. He became the first leader of the church in Venice, known as the Patriarch of Venice. Many people consider him a saint in the Catholic Church.
Contents
Early Life and Calling
Lawrence Justinian was born into the famous Giustiniani family in Venice. This family had many important members, including other saints. His mother's strong faith greatly influenced him. She inspired him to choose a life dedicated to prayer and helping others.
In 1404, Lawrence became a deacon, which is a step in becoming a priest. His uncle, who was also a priest, suggested he join a group of canons regular. These were priests who lived together like monks on an island called San Giorgio in Alga.
Life as a Priest
Lawrence was highly respected by his fellow priests. They admired him for living a simple life, practicing self-discipline, and praying with great passion. In 1407, he became a priest. Two years later, his community decided to follow the Rule of St. Augustine, a set of rules for religious life.
Lawrence was chosen to be the first prior of his community. A prior is like a leader of a religious house. He worked hard to spread the rules of the Canons Regular of St. George. Other communities in the area also adopted these rules. Soon, he became the Prior General, leading many groups of canons. People saw him as the true founder of this religious order because of his dedication.
Becoming a Bishop and Patriarch
In 1433, Pope Eugene IV appointed Lawrence as the Bishop of Castello. This area was part of Venice. Lawrence found the church in Castello in a difficult state. He worked hard to improve it, bringing about much growth and positive change.
In 1451, Pope Nicholas V combined the Diocese of Castello with another church region called the Patriarchate of Grado. The main church office was then moved to Venice. This made Lawrence Justinian the very first Patriarch of Venice. He held this important position for more than four years.
Helping Venice in Crisis
During Lawrence's time as Patriarch, a major event happened. The city of Constantinople fell to Muslim forces. This caused great fear and panic in Venice. Venice had traded with the Byzantine Empire (where Constantinople was) for centuries.
Lawrence played a key role in helping Venice deal with this crisis. He worked closely with the Venetian Senate (the government) to plan for the future. He also helped the clergy (church leaders) and the people of Venice to stay calm during this difficult time.
Becoming a Saint
Lawrence Justinian passed away on January 8, 1456, in Venice, Italy. Many years later, on October 16, 1690, Pope Alexander VIII officially declared him a saint. This process is called canonization.
His feast day, which is a special day to remember him, was first set for September 5. Later, because his importance was more local, his feast day was moved to January 8. This is the day he died.
Lawrence also wrote many works. These included sermons (religious speeches), letters, and books about spiritual growth. These writings have been printed many times over the years.
Images for kids
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St. Lawrence Giustiniani adoring the Baby Jesus, by Luca Giordano, (17th century).
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Lorenzo Giustiniani. 1465. Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice, by Gentile Bellini
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De disciplina et perfectione monasticae conversationis
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Statue of Saint Lawrence Justinian in the Cathedral of Padua
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See also
- Louis Barbo
