St Laurence O'Toole

Laurence O'Toole was born into an Irish ruling family, and as a boy he suffered the harsh discipline of politics when he was given as a hostage. That early wound did not harden him. After years connected with Glendalough he embraced the religious life there, became abbot, and later was chosen archbishop of Dublin. His episcopate unfolded in one of the most painful periods of Irish history, as reform, local rivalry, and the Anglo-Norman invasion all pressed at once upon church and people.

Laurence had to negotiate with princes and with Henry II, seek peace where he could, and protect his flock from greater destruction, yet he never allowed public burden to extinguish prayer, fasting, or care for the poor. He fed the hungry, worked for ecclesiastical reform, and remained personally austere even while carrying the responsibilities of a major see. He died in Normandy in 1180 while still laboring for peace, far from home but faithful to the end to the people entrusted to him.