Monday Motivation: Advent's Intention

 "Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church's year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart's memory so that it can discern the star of hope." - Pope Benedict XVI

St. Laurence O'Toole

St. Lorcán Ua Tuathail, or Laurence O'Toole, was born the youngest son of a king in County Kildare around 1128. At the age of 10, Laurence was sent as a hostage to another king in South Leinster. For two years he was imprisoned and given little food. During this time, Laurence began desiring to enter into religious life.

The abbot of the monastery in Glenalough helped restore relations between the two kings. Laurence was released, and he went to Glenalough. By the time he was 26, he become the abbot of the monastery. He desired to strengthen the bonds between Irish Catholicism and Rome, combining the best of the Gaelic and Frankish-European movements. He invited Augustinian canons from France to help reform Glenalough and wound up joining the Augustinian order himself.

In 1162, and the age of just 32, Laurence became bishop of Dublin. He was elected unanimously at the Synod of Clane. He continued his work of reform, repaired several church buildings, and promoted the use of Gregorian chant. He invited the Augustinians to the cathedral in order to assist in spiritual formation for the diocesan priests. He was also known for helping the poor, offering daily food and establishing orphanages in Dublin.