That would be none other than St. Lawrence O’Toole—a man whose life was as rugged as his wardrobe! Born in 1128 into a noble Irish family, Lawrence had every opportunity for comfort and wealth. But rather than ascend to his family’s noble position and lifestyle, Lawrence was drawn to another path, one that would completely reject the wealth he was born into.
Lawrence felt God pull him into the life of a wandering mystic. He would walk through the rugged Irish countryside deep in prayer, preaching to the people he would encounter. While his work as a wandering missionary did much good, God then called him to a different kind of service: Church leadership. Lawrence became a priest and shortly after was promoted to Archbishop of Dublin, a powerful position of leadership.
This new authority did not change Lawrence’s commitment to humility and poverty. In fact, it didn’t even change his wandering habits! As Archbishop of Dublin, Lawrence adopted a practice he became famous for: roaming the countryside in a hairshirt—a rough, scratchy garment made of animal hair, worn against the skin as a form of self-discipline.
Despite his lone wanderings, Lawrence never shied away from his calling to Church leadership. He was a peacemaker during times of political upheaval, even mediating between warring factions in Ireland and England. And while some thought his lifestyle extreme, the people of Dublin saw him as a beacon of compassion, humility, and strength. He lived among them, serving the poor, healing the sick, and advocating for the oppressed.
This Advent and Christmas season, bring the humility of St. Lawrence and the beauty of Irish Catholicism into your home! These lovely Irish Christ Blessing Christmas Cards. Order yours today from The Catholic Company!
