Biography
Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Rome serving under Pope Sixtus II. During the persecution of Emperor Valerian, the Pope was executed. Lawrence was commanded by the prefect of Rome to turn over the treasures of the Church. Lawrence asked for three days to gather them. He worked swiftly to distribute as much Church property as possible to the poor. On the third day, he presented the blind, the crippled, the orphaned, and the poor to the prefect, declaring: 'Behold in these poor persons the treasures which I promised to show you.' Enraged, the prefect had Lawrence roasted alive on a giant gridiron. According to tradition, after suffering pain for a long time, Lawrence cheerfully said, 'I am well done on this side. Turn me over!'
Miracles & Signs
- ✦His extraordinary courage and supernatural joy while being burned alive
Wisdom & Quotes
“Turn me over, I'm done on this side.”
“The Church is truly rich, far richer than your emperor.”