Lorcan Ua Tuathail (O’Toole) was born in 1125 at Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland. He was the youngest of 4 sons of King Muirchertach Ui Tuathail, who was a member of the branch of the Ui Dunlainge dynasty. His mother was an O’Byme princess.

By the time of Lorcan’s birth, his father the King was subordinate to the new over-kings from South Leinster. When he was only 10 years old, his father delivered him up as a hostage to Dermod Mac Murehad, King of Leinster. Loyalty may have been in question as Lorcan was imprisoned for 2 years in extreme austerity and barely given enough to live on.

Thanks to the intercession of the Abbot of Glendalough, relations were restored and Lorcan was placed in the care of the Bishop of Glendalough after he had expressed a desire to enter the religious life. Despite this extraordinary experience in his youth, he grew to be a model of virtue for others.

He was educated and became a member of the local monastery. Even though he was only 26, he was chosen as abbot at the death of his caretaker. He was a religious reformer and wished that the Irish Church would reflect the Catholic Church and strengthen the bonds between Ireland and Rome. Through his own example, he brought this spiritual renewal to the Church with a program amongst the monks, bringing the Abbey in line with those in Europe. He invited Canons of Saint Augustine to come and assist in the reform and he became a member of the Augustinian Order himself.

A great famine raged during the first 4 months of his administration and organized robbery beset his community, even noblemen. He protected his community from these evil practices through solemn prayer and fasting. He was well regarded by all in the community and its neighbors for sanctity and charity to the poor.

At the age of 32, he was elected unanimously as Archbishop of Dublin. He was the 1st Irishman to be appointed to this town which had been ruled by Danes and Norwegians. His nomination had been backed by the Kings, community, and clergy.

He began a policy of church building and laid the foundation stone for the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. As there was terrible poverty in the city, he sought all to care for the poor and neglected, and established care centers for children who were abandoned.

Conflict in governance grew and an ousted king sought to take back his kingdom with Norman, Flemish, and Welsh allies. Dublin was a walled city, but the citizens were terrified by the Norman Knights along with the stories of their cruelty. Besieged by the people, Lorcan O’Toole sought a treaty, during which Norman knights breached the walls, set fire to the city, and killed the unarmed. Lorcan rushed back, stopped the slaughter, and reinstated the King.

He became a national figure in great demand as all trusted him.

At the age of 55 he left for Ireland the last time. His goal was to admonish King Henry II of England for incursions against the Treaty of Windsor. He landed in a cove named after him in Normandy, Saint-Laurent. He fell ill and died at Eu, Normandy on November 14, 1180, and was buried there. Just before his death, he was consoled learning that King Henry acceded his request.

In English he’s known as Laurence O’Toole and in French as Laurent d’Eu.

He is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland.

His feast day is November 14.

For God’s Glory.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Dublin, now known as Christ Church Cathedral.