August 10
Saint Lawrence of Rome
Deacon, Martyr
(Around 225 – 258)
“Do with me as you like. Sheltering myself beneath the name of Jesus, I do not fear pain. It does not last long.”
Saint Lawrence of Rome
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Lawrence was thought to have been born on December 31, 225 in Huesca, Spain. Lawrence encountered the future Pope Sixtus II, who was one of the most famous and highly esteemed teachers, in Zaragoza, Spain. Eventually, both left Spain for Rome. When Sixtus became the Pope in 257, he ordained Lawrence as a deacon. While Lawrence was still young, Sixtus also appointed him first among the seven deacons who served in the cathedral church. Lawrence is therefore called “archdeacon of Rome”. This is a position of great trust. This responsibilities of this position included the care of the treasury and riches of the Church as well as the distribution of alms to the poor.
Emperor Valerian’s Edict
In that same year, Emperor Valerian published an edict of persecution and commanded all Bishops, priests, and deacons to be put to death. Saint Ambrose of Milan wrote that Lawrence was overcome with grief when Saint Pope Sixtus II was put to death but rejoiced when told that the pope had said that Lawrence would follow him into martyrdom in three days. Overjoyed, Lawrence sold many of the Church’s possessions and donated the money to the poor.
When the prefect of Rome heard of Lawrence’s actions, he brought him in and demanded all the Church’s treasures for the Emperor. Lawrence said that he would need three days to collect them. Lawrence then presented the blind, crippled, the poor, the orphans, and the other unfortunate ones to the prefect and told him that they were the Church’s treasures.
A Joker Even During His Martyrdom
The prefect was furious and prepared a red-hot griddle. He bound Lawrence to it commanding that he should be slowly roasted. The prefect’s order was mercilessly executed. However, Lawrence was strengthened by Divine grace and supported his suffering with heroic fortitude. In the midst of Lawrence’s pain and suffering, he jested instructions to his execution to turn him over as he was roasted enough on the one side.
Prayerful to his Death
To his last breath on August 10, 258 in Rome, Lawrence prayed for the conversion of the city of Rome. He also prayed that the Faith of Christ might be spread throughout the world. His death and example lead to the conversion of the Rome. It is said to have ended paganism in the city. Lawrence is buried at the Campus Veranus on the Via Tiburina, where a basilica was erected in his honor.
Born: December 31, 225 in Huesca, Spain
Died: August 10, 258 in Rome, Italy
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: August 10
Patron Saint: Chefs; Comedian; Cooks; Roasters
Source:
Reflection
Saint Lawrence shows us that saints can be serious, funny, tactful and compassionate. Before Saint Lawrence had to give over the treasures entrusted to him from the Pope, he gave it all away to the poor. So when he asked to present these treasures, he gathered the poor and presented them to the authorities. By doing this, Saint Lawrence was confronting their greed and teaching them about Christianity’s dedication to selflessly loving the poor. Saint Lawrence’s stunt was likely one of the causes of his eventual martyrdom. Even as he died, Saint Lawrence maintained his dedication to Jesus, his joy from his Christian faith, and his unparalleled sense of humor. Tradition holds that, as he was being burned to death, Saint Lawrence shouted to his executioners, “Turn me over, I’m done on this side.”
How can you remind others through your actions and words that the the Christian life, no matter how hard and sad, is one filled with joy and humor?
Prayers
Help us to see Christ in the poor and the suffering and to serve them with the same humility and compassion that you showed throughout your life.
Saint Links
Aleteia – How we can be humorous and holy at the same time
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence of Rome (Died 258) – Martyr
Catholic Culture – St. Lawrence: Proto-Deacon of the Roman Church
Catholic Exchange – St. Lawrence
Catholic Fire – St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr
Catholic Ireland – Aug 10 – St Lawrence (d. 258) deacon
Catholic News Agency – St. Lawrence Feast Day: Aug 10
Franciscan Media – Franciscan Media – Saint Lawrence
Loyola Press – Saint Lawrence Feast Day August 10
My Catholic Life – Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
New Advent – Kirsch, J.P. (1910). St. Lawrence. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Laurence, Martyr
Saint for a Minute – Saint Lawrence of Rome
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Lawrence Martyr (d.258)
Saints Sources – Lawrence of Rome
uCatholic – Saint Lawrence
Video Link
St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr – YouTube (Catholic Online)