Saint Lawrence was a deacon in the early Christian Church, serving under Pope Sixtus II in the third century. He was known for his charity towards the poor and his devotion to Christ. On the 10th of August, we celebrate his commemorative date.
A story often told about St. Lawrence is as he was asked by the Roman emperor Valerian to produce the treasures of the Church. St. Lawrence gathered all the poor and sick he cared for and presented them to the emperor, declaring that these were the true treasures of the Church. In response, Valerian ordered Lawrence to be executed.
While being burned alive on a grill, Lawrence famously said, "Turn me over, I'm done on this side." He remained steadfast in his faith and trust in God, even in the face of death.
On this day, we honor St. Lawrence and ask for your intercession. We pray that we too may be full of charity towards the poor and that we may have the courage and faith to remain steadfast in our beliefs even in the face of persecution or hardship. Let us remember that the real treasure is not in material possessions, but in the love and care we show to others.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us. Help us to be generous and selfless, to serve those in need with joy and compassion. May we always trust in God's love and mercy and be willing to lay down our lives for our faith. Amen.
