60 people like this
August 10th: Commemoration Day for Saint Lawrence of Rome, Patron Saint of Comedians — #catholic #saints —
In 258, Roman Emperor Valerian undertook a persecution campaign against the Christians of Rome. One of the first victims was Pope Saint Sixtus II, who was beheaded on August 6. The following account of the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is based upon legends told by Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (c337/340-397) in his “De officiis ministrorum,” and Aurelius Prudentius Clemens (348-405/413) in his “Peristephanon, Hymn II.”
Lawrence was a Deacon of the Church, responsible for all its material goods, including The Holy Grail, the Holy Chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Lawrence was also responsible for distributing all alms to the poor.
As Sixtus was being led to his martyrdom, Lawrence met him and said: “Where are you going, my dear father, without your son? You never ascended the altar of sacrifice without your servant, and now you wish to do it without me?"
Sixtus replied: “After three days you will follow me.”
Following the execution of Sixtus, the Prefect of Rome met with Lawrence and demanded he turn over the riches of the Church: “Your doctrine says you must render unto Caesar what is his. Therefore, render unto Caesar the riches of your Church, for Caesar needs them for his armies. Your God did not bring riches into this world, only words. Therefore, bring me all the wealth of your Church, and you may remain rich in your words.”
Lawrence replied: “I shall bring you the valuable part of our wealth. But please give me time to set everything in order and make an inventory.”
He was given three days, during which Lawrence quickly distributed all the material riches of the Church to the poor, and entrusted The Holy Grail with a friend to bring to his parents for safekeeping in Spain. And then, on the third day, Lawrence gathered a great host of Rome's poor, blind, lame, maimed, leprous, orphans, and widows, and had them line up in rows.
When the Prefect arrived to collect the tribute, Lawrence pointed to the assembled rows of the most vulnerable of Rome, "The Jewels of Saint Lawrence," and said: “These are the treasure of the Church. The Church is truly rich, far richer than your emperor."
For his defiant play on words, Lawrence was sentenced to be roasted to death on a gridiron, where his final words were: “Assum est, inquit, versa et manduca!" - This side’s done, turn me over and have a bite!
†
In commemoration of Saint Lawrence of Rome (c225-August 10, 258)
Dear God, You called Saint Lawrence of Rome to serve You by lovingly serving the most vulnerable among us, and crowned his life with a glorious martyrdom. Through the Holy Spirit, help us to lovingly serve You and do Your Work with devotion, wisdom, generosity, courage and humor. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive with You and the Holy Spirit, Three Divine Persons in one God, for ever and ever, world without end.
Amen.
†
In 258, Roman Emperor Valerian undertook a persecution campaign against the Christians of Rome. One of the first victims was Pope Saint Sixtus II, who was beheaded on August 6. The following account of the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is based upon legends told by Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (c337/340-397) in his “De officiis ministrorum,” and Aurelius Prudentius Clemens (348-405/413) in his “Peristephanon, Hymn II.”
Lawrence was a Deacon of the Church, responsible for all its material goods, including The Holy Grail, the Holy Chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Lawrence was also responsible for distributing all alms to the poor.
As Sixtus was being led to his martyrdom, Lawrence met him and said: “Where are you going, my dear father, without your son? You never ascended the altar of sacrifice without your servant, and now you wish to do it without me?"
Sixtus replied: “After three days you will follow me.”
Following the execution of Sixtus, the Prefect of Rome met with Lawrence and demanded he turn over the riches of the Church: “Your doctrine says you must render unto Caesar what is his. Therefore, render unto Caesar the riches of your Church, for Caesar needs them for his armies. Your God did not bring riches into this world, only words. Therefore, bring me all the wealth of your Church, and you may remain rich in your words.”
Lawrence replied: “I shall bring you the valuable part of our wealth. But please give me time to set everything in order and make an inventory.”
He was given three days, during which Lawrence quickly distributed all the material riches of the Church to the poor, and entrusted The Holy Grail with a friend to bring to his parents for safekeeping in Spain. And then, on the third day, Lawrence gathered a great host of Rome's poor, blind, lame, maimed, leprous, orphans, and widows, and had them line up in rows.
When the Prefect arrived to collect the tribute, Lawrence pointed to the assembled rows of the most vulnerable of Rome, "The Jewels of Saint Lawrence," and said: “These are the treasure of the Church. The Church is truly rich, far richer than your emperor."
For his defiant play on words, Lawrence was sentenced to be roasted to death on a gridiron, where his final words were: “Assum est, inquit, versa et manduca!" - This side’s done, turn me over and have a bite!
†
In commemoration of Saint Lawrence of Rome (c225-August 10, 258)
Dear God, You called Saint Lawrence of Rome to serve You by lovingly serving the most vulnerable among us, and crowned his life with a glorious martyrdom. Through the Holy Spirit, help us to lovingly serve You and do Your Work with devotion, wisdom, generosity, courage and humor. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive with You and the Holy Spirit, Three Divine Persons in one God, for ever and ever, world without end.
Amen.
†