Patron Saint

St. Laurence was one of seven deacons responsible for providing assistance to the poor and the needy. When persecution erupted in Rome during the third century, Pope St. Sixtus faced a sentence of death. As the authorities led the Pope away for execution, Laurence, in tears, followed him, asking, "Father, where are you going without your deacon?"

The Pope replied, "I am not leaving you, my son. In three days, you will follow me." Filled with joy, Laurence distributed the remainder of his money to the poor. He went even further, selling valuable church vessels to have more resources to share. The Roman prefect, driven by greed, believed the Church possessed a hidden fortune. He demanded that Laurence bring the Church's treasure to him, giving him three days to do so.

Laurence, instead, went throughout the city, gathering all the poor and sick individuals supported by the Church. He presented them to the prefect, declaring, "These people are the Church's treasure." The incensed prefect ordered a slow and torturous death for Laurence, hoping to make him suffer more. The saint was bound atop an iron grill over a slow fire, which roasted him. Yet, God granted him immense strength and joy, and Laurence even quipped with the judge, saying, "Turn me over."

Before his death, he prayed for the conversion of the city of Rome to Jesus and for the spread of the Catholic faith worldwide. Laurence passed away on August 10, 158. His feast day is celebrated throughout Italy and northern Africa, and Emperor Constantine erected a magnificent basilica in Laurence's honor. St. Laurence is among the saints mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer during Mass.

Join us in our patron’s prayer:

"Almighty God, who called your deacon Laurence to serve you with deeds of love and granted him the crown of martyrdom, we pray that we may follow his example by fulfilling your commandments, defending and supporting the poor, and loving you with all our hearts. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen."