Saint Lawrence
Deacon and Martyr
(† 258)
Saint
Lawrence was Chief of the seven deacons of Rome. In the year 258 Pope
Sixtus was led out to die, and Saint Lawrence followed beside him,
weeping because unable to share his fate. Where are you going, my
father, without your son? Where are you going, holy pontiff, without
your deacon? Never did you offer a sacrifice without my serving you at
the altar. In what way have I displeased you? The holy Pope comforted
him with the words, I am not abandoning you, my son; a more difficult
trial and a more glorious victory are reserved for you; in three days
you will follow me.
This
prophecy was fulfilled. After the Pope's martyrdom the prefect of the
city, knowing the rich offerings which the Christians put into the hands
of the clergy, demanded the treasures of the Roman Church from
Lawrence, their guardian. The Saint promised to show him, at the end of
three days, riches exceeding all the wealth of the empire. He was
granted the time of delay. The Archdeacon of Rome went about assembling
the poor, the infirm, and the religious who lived by the alms of the
faithful, and he brought them to the prefect on the appointed day.
Behold the treasures I promised you; I add pearls and precious stones —
these virgins and widows consecrated to God; the Church has no other
riches. The prefect replied: How dare you play games with me, miserable
one? Is this how you show your contempt for the imperial power?
Christ,
whom Lawrence had served in His poor, gave him strength in the conflict
which ensued. After being placed on the rack, he was stretched on a
grill over a slow fire. He joked about his pains. I
am roasted enough on this side, he said, perhaps you should turn me
over. Soon, his gaze towards heaven, he gave up his soul to God. He was
buried in the catacomb near the Tiburtine Way, called the Verano Field, a
little over a mile from the city walls. The faithful watched there for
three days to mourn their holy Archdeacon who had been so good to them.
God, by the glory of this holy martyr, demonstrates the value He sets
upon love for the poor. Innumerable prayers were offered at his tomb.
Saint Lawrence continued from his throne in heaven his charity to those
in need, granting them, as Saint Augustine says, the smaller graces
which they sought, and leading them to the desire of better gifts.
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