Lawrence of Rome

Cornelius, the Prefect of Rome, sat behind a table, shuffling papers, while before him stood Lawrence, last of the seven deacons. He regarded the prisoner with a certain amount of disdain.

An edict, issued by the Emperor Valerian, declared that all bishops and high officials, who professed to follow Jesus of Nazareth, were to be put to death.

Finally Cornelius spoke, “You are Laurentius Romanus?”

“I am.”

“The most sacred Emperors have commanded you to conform to the Roman rites.”

“I refuse,” answered the deacon.

“Take care,” continued the Prefect. “Your associates were judged to be members of an unlawful association. They gave a similar answer and therefore, they were executed this very morning.”

“I am aware.”

Cornelius sighed, “you are the treasurer of this association? Or as you say ‘keeper of the treasures?'”

“I am.”

“Very well,” continued the Prefect. “You have professed yourself an open enemy to the gods and the religion of Rome. Your goods and ‘treasures’ are forfeit to the state. Therefore, you will turn them over at once.”

The hint of a smile played about the deacon’s lips. “It is a great treasure,” he teased. “Still, I do not carry it about on my person.”

“Three days,” said the Prefect turning back to his papers. “You will return in three days with all the material goods of this so-called church.”

For three days the deacon worked furiously, distributing the goods of the Church to those in need. Finally, on the third day, guards once again brought Lawrence before the Prefect of Rome.

“You have complied with my command?” asked Cornelius, more of a statement than a question.

“Yes, excellency, all the treasures of the Church wait for your inspection in the outer courtyard.”

Cornelius rose and made his way to the courtyard, while Lawrence followed close behind. As he walked, he silently estimated the new wealth. This “church” was reputed to be very wealthy, therefore, it would be a significant addition to the city coffers.

Entering the courtyard, the Prefect stopped, confused. Anger quickly replaced confusion. He expected to see piles of gold and silver, precious ornaments and valuable housewares. But instead, he saw a courtyard full of people. A ragged assembly stood there, widows, orphans, the lame, the blind, and the suffering, all those who depended on the charity of the Church for their sustenance.

“What is this?” roared Cornelius.

“This,” replied Lawrence calmly, “is the Treasure of the Church, a far greater treasure than you or your emperor will ever know.”

Cornelius was furious. He ordered Lawrence taken into custody immediately. The deacon suffered the most horrific tortures at the hands of the Romans. Despite this, Lawrence would not renounce Christ or submit to the demands of his captors, to sacrifice to the gods of Rome, no matter how many days of agony he must endure. When it became obvious he would not submit, an order came for his execution.

A great fire burned in the prison yard. Lawrence was bound to a grid work of iron, and then placed over the flames.

The executioners were accustomed to the cries and screams of the condemned. But from Lawrence they heard nothing, no sound of anguish, no cry of pain. Even as his flesh began to burn and crack.

Then, as the flames climbed high into the sky, they heard Lawrence call to them.

“This side is well cooked. You can turn me over now!”

The executioners looked at each other, amazed. Roasted alive, how could he remain so calm? How could he make jokes? Before they could react, Lawrence called to them a second time.

“It is done. You may eat now.”

With that, Saint Lawrence, last of the seven deacons of Rome, achieved the crown of martyrdom, and the everlasting honor of the Church, as the Keeper of its Treasures.