“The blessed apostle John clearly explained the mystery of the Lord’s supper when he said Just as Christ laid down his life for us, so we too ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. St Laurence understood this, my brethren, and he did it; and he undoubtedly prepared things similar to what he received at that table. He loved Christ in his life, he imitated him in his death.”
– St Augustine
St Laurence – Feast: 10th August
Deacon and Martyr
Happy feast of St Lawrence (+ 258), one of the 7 deacons killed during the persecution of Valerian. On his arrest, he was ordered to hand over the riches of the Church but pointed to a crowd of poor people, saying ‘Here are the true treasures of the Church.’
According to tradition, he was roasted to death on a gridiron. Thanks to his manner of death, St Lawrence is the patron of cooks, chefs, and also comedians thanks to his quip while he was being tortured to death: “I’m well done on this side. Turn me over!”
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