Early Life and Appointment as Deacon

Although precise details of St. Lawrence’s early life remain wrapped in the mists of history, it is generally accepted that he was born in the early third century, around 225 AD, in the region of Hispania Tarraconensis—now part of modern Spain. Tradition holds that he met the future Pope Sixtus II while both were studying under the theologian Archdeacon Sixtus in Zaragoza. Their friendship and shared dedication to the Christian faith would prove foundational for Lawrence’s later life.

When Sixtus became Pope in 257 AD, he entrusted Lawrence with the prominent role of archdeacon in Rome. As one of seven deacons serving under the Pope, Lawrence’s responsibilities were immense and vital: he was tasked with overseeing the Church’s treasures, distributing alms to the poor, and caring for the sick, widows, and orphans. This position placed him at the heart of the burgeoning Christian community at a time when Christianity remained illegal in the Roman Empire.

Context: Christianity in Third-Century Rome

The third century was a perilous era for Christians in the Roman Empire. Christians suffered periodic waves of persecution, as their refusal to worship the Roman gods or the Emperor was seen as both a religious and political threat. Under Emperor Valerian, the pressure on Christians intensified further—church leaders were arrested, property was confiscated, and worship was increasingly driven underground.

As archdeacon, Lawrence played a critical role in sustaining the community’s social fabric and spiritual resilience. He became famous for his commitment to charity, not only distributing funds but also personally tending to the city’s most vulnerable. His profound acts of kindness and solidarity with those on the margins exemplified the Christian ideal of agape—selfless, sacrificial love.

The Persecution and Martyrdom

In 258 AD, the persecution of Christians in Rome reached a tragic climax. Emperor Valerian issued an edict specifically targeting the clergy. Pope Sixtus II was among the first to be arrested and executed, beheaded as he celebrated Mass in the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. Lawrence, knowing his own arrest was imminent, began distributing the Church’s remaining resources to the poor—ensuring that Rome’s impoverished citizens would have some means of support even amidst terror.

Shortly thereafter, Lawrence was seized by the Roman authorities. The prefect of Rome, coveting the supposed riches of the Church, demanded that Lawrence surrender its treasures. According to one of the most enduring legends, Lawrence asked for three days to gather the Church’s wealth. He then assembled a crowd of the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, presenting them to the prefect with the words: “Behold, these are the treasures of the Church.”

Enraged by this defiance, the prefect ordered Lawrence to be tortured to death. According to a widely known tradition, he was condemned to be roasted alive on a gridiron over a slow fire. During his agonizing torment, Lawrence is famously said to have remarked to his torturers, "I am cooked on that side; turn me over, and eat." He is also said to have prayed for the conversion of Rome before he died.

His heroic martyrdom and unwavering faith reportedly led to many conversions in Rome and solidified his veneration throughout the Church. Emperor Constantine later built a basilica over his tomb in Rome.

References:

Early Christian Writers: Accounts of St. Lawrence's martyrdom are found in the writings of prominent figures such as St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 339–397 AD) in his De Officiis Ministrorum, the Latin poet Prudentius (348–c. 413 AD) in his Peristephanon (Hymn II), and St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD).

Liturgical Texts: His feast day on August 10 is deeply rooted in early Christian calendars, such as the "Almanac of Philocalus" from 354 AD, which lists his burial place on the Via Tiburtina. He is also one of the few early martyrs explicitly mentioned in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) of the Mass, highlighting his ancient and widespread veneration.

Basilicas and Shrines: The Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura (St. Lawrence Outside the Walls) in Rome is built over his tomb and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. Other churches in Rome, such as San Lorenzo in Damaso and San Lorenzo in Lucina, are also dedicated to him.

The act of Saint Lawrence’s martyrdom, his historical existence as a Roman deacon, and his death on August 10, 258, are widely accepted. His story powerfully illustrates Christian courage and charity in the face of persecution.

Saint Lawrence Pray for us!