Pope Sixtus ordained the young Lawrence as Deacon in the year 257 and gave him a position which gave him responsibility for the Church’s treasury and the distribution of alms to the poor.

After the death of Pope Sixtus, the Prefect of Rome demanded that Lawrence hand over the Church’s riches. He asked for three days to assemble what was needed, and began immediately to give away as much as he could. On the third day he appeared before the Prefect, along with the poor, saying ‘Here are the treasures of the Church’. The Prefect was so angry that he ordered Lawrence to be burnt alive, and this is how he met his martyrdom.

May St Lawrence pray for us, and may God bless you this day.