Our Patron Saint

St Lawrence — Deacon and Martyr

St Lawrence (San Lorenzo) is one of the most venerated martyrs of the early Church. Born around 225 AD in Huesca, Spain, he came to Rome where he became one of the seven deacons of the city under Pope Sixtus II.

His Role as Deacon

As a deacon of Rome, St Lawrence was entrusted with the administration of the temporal goods of the Church and the distribution of alms to the poor. He was deeply devoted to the poor and the marginalised, seeing in them the face of Christ. His charity and administrative skill made him one of the most important figures in the early Roman Church.

The Martyrdom of St Lawrence

In 258 AD, the Emperor Valerian issued an edict ordering the execution of all Christian bishops, priests, and deacons. Pope Sixtus II was arrested and beheaded on August 6, 258 AD. As the Pope was being led to his death, Lawrence followed him weeping, asking: "Father, where are you going without your deacon?" The Pope told him he would follow him in three days.

The Roman Prefect, knowing that Lawrence administered the Church's finances, ordered him to hand over the Church's treasures within three days. Lawrence gathered the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the suffering of Rome and presented them to the Prefect, saying: "These are the treasures of the Church."

Enraged, the Prefect condemned Lawrence to a slow death by roasting him alive on a gridiron over burning coals. St Lawrence bore this terrible martyrdom with extraordinary courage and peace. According to tradition, after enduring the flames for some time, he said to his torturers with remarkable serenity: "Turn me over — I am done on this side." This courageous statement has become one of the most celebrated sayings of the early martyrs, a testament to Lawrence's indomitable spirit.

St Lawrence died on August 10, 258 AD — the date we celebrate as his feast day.

His Legacy

St Lawrence is venerated as one of the patron saints of the poor and as a model of charity and courage. He is also the patron saint of deacons, librarians, students, and cooks. His famous declaration that the poor are the true treasure of the Church is as relevant today as it was in the third century.

Pope Damasus wrote that the blood of St Lawrence conquered Rome for Christ. His martyrdom contributed greatly to the conversion of Rome to Christianity. The Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura in Rome is one of the seven pilgrim churches of Rome, built over the site of his burial.

Our Patron at Moodubelle

The parish of Moodubelle has chosen this great martyr and deacon as its patron. Like St Lawrence, we are called to see Christ in the poor, to serve with courage and joy, and to witness to our faith even in the face of adversity. The Grand Annual Feast of St Lawrence is celebrated every year on August 10 with solemn Mass, procession, and joyful community celebrations.

St Lawrence, pray for us!