Lawrence of Rome

Saint Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Rome, responsible for administering the Church's goods and distributing alms to the poor, during the pontificate of Pope Sixtus II. During Emperor Valerian's persecution in 258, Pope Sixtus II was arrested and martyred. Before his execution, he is said to have prophesied Lawrence's martyrdom three days later. After the Pope's death, Lawrence was ordered by the Roman prefect to hand over the 'treasures' of the Church. Lawrence requested three days to gather these treasures. At the end of this period, he presented a crowd of poor, infirm, blind, and orphaned people, declaring: 'These are the true treasures of the Church!' Furious, the prefect had him tortured and condemned to be roasted alive on a gridiron. Tradition holds that he displayed extraordinary courage and joy during his torment, uttering the famous phrase that has become a symbol of his determination. He died on August 10, 258. His veneration is one of the oldest and most widespread in the Roman Church.