π Life Timeline
Unknown
Born in c. 225 AD, Rome
258 AD
Died β August 10, 258 AD, Rome (roasted)
Pre-
Canonized β Pre-Tridentine
β Biography
One of the seven deacons of Rome ordained by Pope St Sixtus II. Born in Rome, educated in the liberal arts and ecclesiastical sciences. Under Emperor Valerian's persecution of 258 AD, when Sixtus was arrested, he gathered the Church's treasuresβnot gold and silver, but the poor, the sick, and the orphans whom he relievedβsaying they were the true treasures of the Church. Arrested and ordered to hand over Church treasures and renounce Christianity. When brought before Valerian with the poor, the emperor was enraged and sentenced him to be burned alive on a gridiron. Tradition says Lawrence joked: 'Turn me over, I'm done on this side.' Martyred on August 10, 258 AD. His body was buried in the Catacomb of Callixtus. One of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages, patron of cooks, chimney sweeps, and librarians.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Deacons, the poor, the hungry, cooks, chimney sweeps, and librarians.
π¬ Words of the Saint
Turn me over; I'm done on this side.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 225 AD, Rome
Died
August 10, 258 AD, Rome (roasted)
Feast Day
Aug 10
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
π Legacy
His distribution of Church wealth to the poor set a precedent for Christian charity. His feast day is one of the oldest in the liturgical calendar.