Name ______Date ______

Saint Lawrence

Directions: Read the biography and answer the questions.

Saint Lawrence was born in the Roman Empire in 225 in modern-day Spain. As a young man he became friends with the future Pope Sixtus II, who was a famous teacher. Together they left for the city of Rome where Sixtus became pope. Lawrence was ordained a deacon and served among the seven deacons of the Catholic Church. He was responsible for the treasury of the Church in Rome and distributed money to the poor. The Roman Emperor Valerian disliked Christians and issued an edict to arrest and execute anyone who expressed a belief in Jesus Christ. Pope Sixtus II was arrested while celebrating Mass and killed. The Roman authorities demanded that Saint Lawrence hand over the Church’s money. He asked for three days to gather the funds, but he distributed it all to the poor. When the authorities asked for the money, Saint Lawrence brought forth the poor and announced that they were the treasures of the Church. This angered the Roman prefect so much that he had a hot gridiron prepared to burn the saint. According to legend, the Romans burned Lawrence for some time before he declared to them, “I am well done on this side; turn me over!” He was one of the best-known Christian martyrs and many churches in Rome were built and dedicated to his name.

1. Why was Saint Lawrence killed by the Roman authorities? ______

2. How can you support the poor in the Church today? ______

3. Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of cooks and comedians. What are some ways you can use joy or humor to talk about your faith? ______

©The Religion Teacher