November 14

Saint Lawrence O'Toole

Roman Martyrology

Archbishop of Dublin who worked for peace during the Anglo-Norman invasion

Lorcán Ua Tuathail, known in English as Lawrence O'Toole, was born around 1128 in Leinster, Ireland, the son of a local king. As a boy of about ten he was handed over as a hostage to Dermot MacMurrough, king of Leinster, who kept him in harsh conditions until his father won his release. He then grew up at the monastery of Glendalough and later became its abbot.

In 1162 he became archbishop of Dublin. He brought canons living under a common rule to Christ Church cathedral, lived simply himself and fed the poor in times of famine. When Anglo-Norman forces arrived from 1169, he acted as a go-between, trying to protect his people and keep peace between the Irish kings and Henry II of England. In 1179 he attended the Third Lateran Council in Rome.

He died at Eu, in Normandy, in November 1180 while on a peace mission, and was canonised in 1225. Dublin still honours him as its patron.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 · BSB

A prayer

Faithful God, you called Lawrence from a hard childhood to be a shepherd of your people, caring for the poor and seeking peace in a time of conquest. Give us the courage to stand between those in conflict, to share what we have with those in need, and to serve you without fear. Amen.