Saint Lawrence

Saint Project

Saint Lawrence was born in 225 and was martyred in 258. He was one of the seven deacons of Rome. He lived most of his life in Rome, but he was born in SpainWhen Sixtus became Bishop of Rome in 257, Lawrence was ordained a deacon and was placed in charge of the administration of Church goods and care for the poor. For this duty, he is regarded as one of the first record keepers and treasurers of the Church and was made the patron of librarians. Many high level catholic officials were being killed or exiled, and the pope was on his way to his execution when Lawrence found him. He said: "Where are you going, my dear father, without your son? Where are you hurrying off to, holy priest, without your deacon? Before you never mounted the altar of sacrifice without your servant, and now you wish to do it without me?" After the pope was killed, Lawrence was demanded to hand over the riches of the church. Lawrence asked for three days to gather together the wealth. Lawrence worked swiftly to distribute as much Church property to the poor as possible, so as to prevent its being seized by the prefect. After the third day, he is said to have told the prefect that "the riches of the church are the people within it." Saint Lawrence was grilled, or burned, to death on August 10th, 258. he was strong willed and legend has it that at his death, he said: "I am done on this side! Turn me over and eat." He is widely regarded as one of the most influential saints of his times. Many people devoted themselves to him the 4th century. There is a feast held in his name every year on August 10th.