SAINT OF THE DAY · AUGUST 10

Who was Saint Lawrence of Rome?

Saintly Editorial 2 min read
In short

Saint Lawrence of Rome: The deacon who turned fire into praise. Lived 3rd century to 258. Rome, Italy. Deacon in the Roman Church. Patron of the poor. Martyr during Valerian persecution. Saintly remembers this saint on August 10.

  • Lived 3rd century to 258
  • Rome, Italy
  • Deacon in the Roman Church
  • Patron of the poor
  • Martyr during Valerian persecution

Who was Saint Lawrence of Rome?

Lawrence was a deacon with keys and ledgers for the Church’s goods. Each morning he went from the doorway of worship to the storerooms and counting tables. He knew the money had one purpose. It would become food, clothing, and care for people left hungry. Then a new crisis began to press in.

He spent his quieter hours among widows and orphans. When the city closed its shops, he still walked the streets to find those supported by the Church. He brought what he could. He sat with the sick. He spoke to them as treasures already held by God. This practice made him ready.

After Pope Sixtus was taken away, Lawrence followed him weeping. Soldiers moved ahead like a wall. Lawrence called out, asking where the pope was going without his deacon. Sixtus answered that Lawrence would follow in three days. Lawrence looked back at the dark house of the Church. Then he went to seek the poorest.

During those three days he moved through the city, searching for the poor supported by the Church. On the third day he gathered them into rows. There were the blind, the lame, the maimed, and those covered in sores. He treated the crowd like living wealth. When the prefect arrived, he had one invitation.

The prefect demanded the hidden treasure. Lawrence answered that the Church was rich, and the prefect’s men should look at his stores. The prefect wanted gold. He ordered fire instead. Lawrence was stripped and laid on a gridiron. Coals glowed beneath. He spoke through the heat, saying, The flesh is roasted, turn it and eat.

After a long burning, the judge turned his body. Lawrence smiled and said one side is broiled enough. When it was turned again, he added, It is cooked enough, you may eat. His eyes stayed lifted. He prayed for the conversion of the city, trusting that the flame would not win.

When he finished that prayer, Lawrence gave up his spirit. Christians gathered and took up his body for burial. Some senators who had watched the cruelty were moved, and they became Christians on the spot. Later, people returned to honor his tomb on the Tiburtine road, carrying their needs there.

What can we learn from Saint Lawrence of Rome today?

  • Make your parish charity list, then deliver help to the poorest yourself.
  • Set aside one treasured possession and sell it to aid the poor.
  • Pray for your city's conversion when you feel heat and pressure.

Saint Lawrence matters because he shows what the Church’s treasure is. It is not hidden money. It is living love poured out for the poor. His courage also shows how suffering can become witness. When we serve the needy and pray for conversion, his fire keeps spreading.

When is the feast day of Saint Lawrence of Rome?

Saintly remembers Saint Lawrence of Rome on August 10, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.

Sources

Previous: Saint Teresa Benedicta of The Cross (Edith Stein) Next: Saint Clare · All saints