Today is the great feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr, of whom Pope Damasus I wrote: "The blows of the executioner, flames, torments, chains, the faith of blessed Lawrence alone could conquer".
This beloved saint has been commemorated in art and song for centuries, often shown with the gridiron on which he was roasted to death. However, this 13th-century depiction from the apse of Santa Maria in Trastevere shows the saint resplendent in glory, tonsured, holding a processional cross and Evangeliarium, and richly-robed in a fine dalmatic.
May St Lawrence pray for us, and especially for the Church of Rome and all deacons.
This beloved saint has been commemorated in art and song for centuries, often shown with the gridiron on which he was roasted to death. However, this 13th-century depiction from the apse of Santa Maria in Trastevere shows the saint resplendent in glory, tonsured, holding a processional cross and Evangeliarium, and richly-robed in a fine dalmatic.
May St Lawrence pray for us, and especially for the Church of Rome and all deacons.
