COME AND SEE…

Published on December 21, 2021

COME AND SEE…

Reflection

This week we call the memory the life of St. Lawrence, who features on the stained glass
above the Tabernacle. St. Lawrence is one of the most revered Saints in our faith. Having
died a martyr for Christ, St. Lawrence is the patron saint of deacons, firefighters, the poor
and chefs. St. Lawrence was a deacon at a dangerous time for Chritians, suffering under
Roman persecution as many early Christians did. Shortly after his election, Pope Sixtus II
entrusted him with the care of his archdiocese. Serving as the deacon of the diocese of
Rome, St. Lawrence delivered goods and aided the poor and weak. In August 258AD,
Emperor Valerian issued an edict: all bishops, priests and deacons must be put to death.
Pope Sixtus II was executed on August 6th, and despite initially sparing his life, Emperor
Valerian put St. Lawrence to death four days later, August 10th. He had asked St. Lawrence
to “Hand over the treasures of the church”. St. Lawrence responded by bringing the poor and
vulnerable to him, proclaiming “These are the treasures of the church”. It is said that St.
Lawrence was burned on a gridiron. It is said that after sometime, St. Lawrence informed his
torturers that he was “done” on that side, making him the patron saint of chefs and
comedians. This week, we draw inspiration from the good work carried out by St. Lawrence
and we can all learn from the courage he possessed when faced with brutal persecution.