Born in what is now Spain in the early 3rd century, Lawrence crossed paths with a great teacher who would later become Pope Sixtus II. 

Sixtus named Lawrence Bishop of Rome and put him in charge of The Church’s wealth. 

Immediately he began a well-organized and concerted effort to look after orphans, widows, and the poor. 

But in the year 258, Roman Emperor Valerian issued an edict condemning all priests and Bishops to death for hatred of the human race. 

Pope Sixtus was among those beheaded. 

Valerian, knowing Lawrence controlled all The Church finances and property, offered to spare his life if he would hand over The Church treasure. 

Lawrence agreed, asking for three days. 

Then, he gathered the poor and those in need and presented them to Valerian, saying: “These are the riches of The Church.” 

Incensed, Valerian condemned Lawrence to die by being burned alive on a gridiron, a death to which Lawrence went while joking with his executioners. 

He was so loved and admired that his brutal martyrdom became a tipping point in the Christian conversion of Rome and it seems even the heavens took notice. 

The Perseids Meteor shower, which began in mid-July, peaks this week and for centuries has been referred to as, the tears of St. Lawrence. 

St. Lawrence, please pray for us.