August 10, 2023, Feast of St. Lawrence, Holy Rosary (Luminous Mysteries)

Having died a martyr for Christ, St. Lawrence is the patron of deacons, chefs, and firefighters. Around the time of his feast day, the night sky is lit with bright lights, wrote Vatican News.

The phenomenon is related to the passing of a meteorite swarm left by a comet. For folk tradition these lights are “falling stars”, tears St. Lawrence shed during his martyrdom.

The testimony of this holy martyr, born in Spain in the first half of the 3rd century, is marked by piety and charity.

In AD 258, Emperor Valerian issued an edict: all bishops, priests, and deacons must be put to death. Saint Lawrence, other deacons, and Pope Sixtus II were apprehended. The Pope was killed on 6 August. At first, the emperor offered to spare Lawrence’s life, in exchange for his handing over of “the treasures of the Church.” Lawrence is said to have presented the emperor with the sick, the needy, and the marginalized. These, he said, are the treasures of the Church.

Four days later, on August 10, Saint Lawrence would be martyred, being burnt on a gridiron.

Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
St. Lawrence, Pray for Us!