Who was Saint Lawrence?

St. Lawrence was the early Christian version of Robin Hood. He was the first of seven deacons under Pope Sixtus II but was executed on August 10th 258 when Roman Roman Emperor Valerian ordered the prosecution of all bishops, priests and deacons.

The Legend of St. Lawrence

The shooting stars seen in the sky on this August night are believed to be the tears of St Lawrence that he shed during his martyrdom. The tears are suspended in the universe and just once a year they fall to Earth.

Legend says that St. Lawrence’s body was placed on a gridiron with coals beneath it. And after a long suffer he made his famous remark: “Turn me over, I’m done on this side”.

Therefore, he is also considered the patron saint of chefs and cooks but also of the poor, students, wine makers, butchers, brewers, restaurateurs, librarians, miners, and comedians. St Lawrence is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic world and devotion to him dates back to the fourth century.

Saint Lawrence is usually depicted holding a gridiron and wearing dalmatic.

Did You Know?

Dalmatic, worn during the coronation service of the British monarch, originally was made from Dalmatian wool, hence its name. Split is the capital of the region of Dalmatia.