St. Lawrence
Deacon and Martyr
Feast Day: August 10
Biography
St. Lawrence (c. 225–258) was one of the seven deacons of Rome and was responsible for managing the Church's property and distributing alms to the poor. When Emperor Valerian demanded the Church's treasures, Lawrence asked for three days. He quickly distributed everything to the poor and then presented them to the prefect, saying: 'These are the treasures of the Church.' He was sentenced to death by being roasted on a gridiron. According to tradition, after suffering for a long time, he said: 'Turn me over — I'm done on this side.' His courage and humor in the face of death made him one of the most popular saints of the early Church.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Lawrence, you showed that the Church's greatest treasures are her poor. Help me to be generous with what God has given me. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Lawrence, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Lawrence, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.