Saint Lawrence

Lawrence was a deacon in Rome who lived about 1,750 years ago. He was in charge of the Church's treasure — giving money to the poor. During a cruel persecution, the Roman ruler arrested Pope Sixtus II and martyred him. Before he died, Pope Sixtus told Lawrence, 'You will follow me in three days.' The Roman official came to Lawrence and said, 'Bring me all the treasures of the Church!' Lawrence asked for a few days. He then gathered all the poor, the sick, and the orphans the Church was caring for. He brought them before the official and said, 'Here are the true treasures of the Church!' The official was so furious he sentenced Lawrence to be burned alive on a gridiron. While he was being burned, Lawrence joked, 'Turn me over — I am done on this side!' He died praying. Lawrence's courage and joy even in dying inspired many in Rome to become Christians.