St. Lawrence Justinian – First Patriarch of Venice and Church Reformer

ST. LORANCE JUSTINIYAN

St. Lawrence Justinian was the first Patriarch of Venice and a deeply spiritual reformer of the Church. Known for his holiness, simplicity, and deep mystical life, he was a beacon of ecclesiastical renewal during the 15th century.

Born in Venice in 1381 to a noble family, Lawrence Justinian felt a strong religious calling early in life. At 19, he joined the Canons Regular of St. George in Alga, a reform-minded congregation focused on community life, prayer, and service. He distinguished himself with a life of austerity, humility, and contemplation.

His deep spiritual insight and leadership led to his election as prior of his community, and later, in 1433, he was appointed Bishop of Castello. Known for his tireless work for the poor and his efforts to reform both clergy and laity, Lawrence quickly became admired for both his administrative skill and spiritual depth.

In 1451, when the dioceses of Castello and Venice were united, Lawrence became the first Patriarch of Venice, setting a powerful example of pastoral leadership. His writings, particularly on the spiritual life, reveal a mystic soul devoted to God. He emphasized love, humility, and the importance of inner conversion.

He died on January 8, 1456, after serving the Church with incredible devotion. His tomb became a site of veneration, and he was canonized in 1690. His feast is celebrated on September 5, the day he became Patriarch of Venice.

Feast Day

5-9-

Birth Date

1-7-1381

Died Date

8-1-1456

Canonised Date

16-8-1690

Venice, Italy

St. Lawrence Justinian, Humble shepherd of God’s people, Guide us in holiness and wisdom. Pray for us to grow in faith and love. Amen.
ST. LORANCE JUSTINIYAN

Video Not Found

ST. LORANCE JUSTINIYAN

The information on this website is compiled from various trusted sources. While we aim for accuracy, some details may be incomplete or contain discrepancies.

If you notice any errors or have additional information about this saint, please use the form on the left to share your suggestions. Your input helps us improve and maintain reliable content for everyone.

All submissions are reviewed carefully, and your personal details will remain confidential. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy and value of this resource.

Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
Wikipedia – General reference content and images
Anastpaul.com – Saint images and reflections
Pravachaka Sabdam (Malayalam) – Saint-related content and insights

We sincerely thank these authors and platforms for their valuable contributions. If we have unintentionally missed any attribution, please notify us, and we will make the correction promptly.