Overview

• St. Lawrence served under Pope Sixto II as one of seven 3rd-century deacons charged with administering church assets and aiding Rome’s poor.
• Emperor Valerian’s 258 edicts led to his arrest and execution by roasting on an iron gridiron after he presented the needy as the church’s true treasures.
• Tradition holds that his quip “Turn me over; I’m done on this side” during martyrdom inspired his role as patron saint of comedians and cooks.
• His August 10 feast is marked by diocesan masses and public processions, such as Córdoba’s event featuring the Santo Ángel Custodio de Rute band.
• He is also venerated as patron for deacons, archivists, treasurers and librarians in recognition of his service and record-keeping duties.