SAINT LAWRENCE (247)

Died 258, Rome.

One of the most venerated Roman martyrs celebrated for his Christian valour.

He was among the seven deacons of the Roman church serving Pope St. Sixtus II whose martyrdom preceded Lawrence´s by a few days: they were executed during the persecution of the Roman emperor Valerian.

It is said that Lawrence gave the church´s treasures to the poor and the sick before his apprehension.

Although he was probably beheaded, Bishop St. Ambrose of Milan and the Latin poet Prudentius, among others, recorded that he was roasted to death on a gridiron, remarking to his torturers at one point "I am cooked on that side; turn me over, and eat".

Mass conversions to Christianity throughout Rome reportedly followed Lawrence´s death including those of several senators witnessing his execution.

The Basilica of St. Lorenzo, Rome, was built over his burial place.

He is named in the canon of the Roman mass and his feast day is August 10.