Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr

In the year 258 A.D., during a time of growing hostility towards early Christians in pagan Rome, Saint Lawrence emerged as a shining example of faith and selflessness. In the face of persecution, he courageously distributed the Church's wealth to the city's poor, believing in the words of Jesus that they were blessed and loved. When the emperor demanded the Church's gold and silver, Lawrence presented him with the true treasures of the Church—the poor themselves. This act of defiance led to his brutal martyrdom, as he was burned alive on a griddle. His unwavering faith and sacrificial love inspired massive conversions to Christianity.

Today, Saint Lawrence serves as a remarkable role model for families, teaching them the importance of compassion, selflessness, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. His story encourages families to recognize the value of every individual, especially the vulnerable and marginalized, and to live out their faith in daily acts of love and service. Saint Lawrence's life and death remind us that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on others and contribute to the spread of God's love in the world.

Patron Saint of Rome, Canada, Sri Lanka, against fire, against lumbago, archives and archivists, armories and armorers, barbecues, brewers, butchers, comedians, cooks, chefs and restaurant owners, cutlers, deacons, glaziers and stained glass workers, laundry workers, libraries and librarians, miners, the poor, seminarians, students, tanners, viticulturists, and wine makers and sellers.
 

Celebrate the feast by doing the following:

• Lighting a candle in prayer
• Learn more about Saint Lawrence from Franciscan Media.
• Attend mass.
• As a family, offer prayers for the poor and suffering.
• Make a donation to a local food pantry to feed the hungry.
• Consider cleaning out old clothes and toys to donate to those in need.
• Print and color:
  • The Catholic Kid - St. Lawrence