Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, one of the most greatly venerated martyrs of the early Church.
Saint Lawrence served as one of the seven deacons of Rome under Pope Saint Sixtus II during the third century. As a deacon, Lawrence had particular responsibility for the Church’s material goods and for the care of the poor and those in need.
In the year 258, the Emperor Valerian ordered a persecution of the Church. Pope Sixtus II was arrested and martyred on 6 August. Just four days later, on 10 August, Lawrence also suffered martyrdom for his faith in Christ.
His witness made such a profound impression upon the early Christians that devotion to him spread rapidly throughout the Church.
One of the most famous traditions surrounding Saint Lawrence concerns the treasures of the Church. It is said that the Roman authorities, believing the Church possessed great material wealth, ordered Lawrence to surrender its treasures.
Lawrence asked for time to gather them.
Instead of presenting gold or silver, he gathered together the poor and those who depended upon the Church for help. Presenting them to the Roman authorities, Lawrence declared that these were the true treasures of the Church.
Tradition also holds that Lawrence was martyred by being burned upon a gridiron. While the precise circumstances of his death cannot be established with certainty, his martyrdom itself and the ancient devotion to him are firmly rooted in the life of the early Church.
A basilica was later built over his tomb in Rome, and San Lorenzo fuori le Mura – the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls – remains one of Rome’s great pilgrimage churches.
Saint Lawrence reminds us that the true riches of the Church are not found in possessions, but in Christ and in those whom He calls us to love and serve – particularly the poor, the vulnerable and those most in need.
May his courage strengthen us to remain faithful to Christ and his example inspire us to recognise and serve Christ in one another.
🙏 Saint Lawrence, pray for us.
