Lawrence of Riparfatta, Bl.
LAWRENCE OF RIPARFATTA, BL.
Dominican reformer and preacher; b. Ripafratta, near Pisa, Italy, March 23, 1373 or 1374; d. Pistoia, Italy, Sept. 28, 1456. He was a leading figure in the Dominican reform begun by Bl. raymond of capua. When, under the influence of John dominici, he joined the Dominican Reformed Congregation of Italy, he was about 23 years old and already a deacon. Professor of philosophy and theology at the priories in Fabriano and Pistoia for many years, he served also as prior at Fabriano (1411) and at Pistoia (1438). The opinion that at Cortona he was the novice master of St. antoninus, Bl. Peter Capucci, Bl. Fra Angelico (see fiesole, guido da), and Fra Benedetto, and that he served for a time as vicar-general of the Reformed Congregation, lacks documentary evidence. He was noted for his austerity and works of mercy, and was the counselor of St. Antoninus while the latter was bishop of Florence. pius ix approved his cult in 1851.
Feast: Sept. 28.
Bibliography: Acta sanctorum Oct. 1:42. a. butler, The Lives of the Saints (New York 1956) 3:671. s. orlandi, Il beato Lorenzo da Ripafratta (Florence 1956).
[r. m. beissel]