Saint Lawrence
Stored in Cargo: Saint Lawrence
| Saint Lawrence | |
| Feast Day | August 10 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Deacons, chefs, Rome |
| Birthplace | Valencia, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (burning) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, Rome, Italy |
Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr (3rd century AD – 258 AD) was a Roman deacon and martyr, known for his charity and courage under persecution. Born in Valencia, Roman Empire, he served under Pope Sixtus II in Rome, distributing alms. Canonized pre-Congregation, he is venerated for his martyrdom.[1]
Lawrence is the patron saint of deacons, chefs, and Rome, with his feast day on 10 August. Honored in Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion, his relics at the Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, Rome, draw pilgrims. His gridiron martyrdom inspires faith.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Lawrence was born in the 3rd century AD, likely 225 AD, in Valencia, Roman Empire, to a Christian family.[1] Valencia’s Christian community shaped his faith. No records detail his parents or early life.
His piety led to service in Rome.[3]
Early Life
Lawrence moved to Rome, ordained a deacon under Pope Sixtus II around 255 AD.[4] Tasked with distributing Church alms, he gave generously to the poor. During Valerian’s persecution in 258 AD, he was arrested after presenting the poor as the Church’s “treasures.”
His defiance led to martyrdom.[5]
Occupation
Lawrence was a deacon and martyr.[1] He managed Church finances, distributed alms, and assisted in liturgy. His “occupation” as a martyr involved enduring torture for refusing to surrender Church assets.
His charity shaped Roman devotion.[6]
Vocation
Lawrence’s religious vocation began as a deacon around 255 AD.[1] Serving under Pope Sixtus II, he prioritized the poor, defying Roman authorities during persecution. His martyrdom in 258 AD, roasted on a gridiron, defined his calling.
His courage inspired early Christians.[7]
Death
Lawrence was martyred on 10 August 258 AD in Rome, Roman Empire, burned on a gridiron, aged about 33.[1] He died proclaiming faith, reportedly jesting during torture. His death was mourned widely.
Buried at the Basilica of San Lorenzo, his relics draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Valencia, Roman Empire
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Lawrence’s sainthood was recognized post-258 AD, predating formal processes.[3] No Servant of God phase existed; his martyrdom affirmed sanctity. Early hagiographies documented his life.
Venerable
Lawrence was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] His martyrdom affirmed virtue. Roman Christians ensured his status.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[5]
Beatification
Lawrence did not undergo beatification, formalized post-12th century.[1] His veneration bypassed such stages. Rome honored him with a feast day by the 4th century.
This aligns with early martyrs.[3]
Canonization
Lawrence was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date.[1] His feast day of 10 August was set by the 4th century. No miracles were required; his martyrdom sufficed.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No miracle was required, as Lawrence was not beatified.[1] His sainthood rested on martyrdom. No specific miracles were recorded.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[3]
Miracle for canonization
No miracle was required for Lawrence’s canonization.[1] His martyrdom sufficed. Posthumous miracles were not documented.
This was standard for early martyrs.[5]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of deacons, chefs, and Rome.[2] His patronage supports charity.[9]
Feast day
Lawrence’s feast day is 10 August, celebrated with Masses in Rome, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion.[1] Pilgrimages to his basilica mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Lawrence is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Basilica of San Lorenzo.[2] Deacons seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted with a gridiron, his martyrdom, noted in X posts, inspires courage.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No surviving works; legacy in hagiographies.[3]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Lawrence". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-lawrence/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. Lawrence". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=238. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Lawrence". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09089a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Lawrence". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lawrence. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Lawrence". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lawrence/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "St. Lawrence". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-lawrence-606. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. Luca Bianchi. "Basilica of San Lorenzo". Diocese of Rome. https://www.romandiocese.it/lawrence. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "St. Lawrence". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20030810_lawrence_en.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Lawrence". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-lawrence. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr". CatholicSaints via X. 10 August 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/lawrence2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.