August 10

St. Lawrence

A third-century Roman deacon who, when commanded to hand over the Church's treasures, presented the poor, sick, and suffering, saying "These are the treasures of the Church." He was roasted alive on a gridiron and, according to tradition, said: "Turn me over — I'm done on this side." He is the patron saint of deacons, librarians, and the poor.

Why it matters for your parish: Lawrence's declaration that the poor are the Church's treasure is one of the most quoted lines in martyrology — and his famous last words are among the most striking in history. A Feast — priority content day.

Graphics for this saint are coming soon.