Saint Talk: Patron of Comedians: St. Lawrence

Today the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Lawrence, a deacon martyred in the 3rd century, most likely in the year 258. St. Lawrence served under Pope St. Sixtus II who was also martyred days before St. Lawrence. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "St. Lawrence has been one of the most honoured martyrs of the Roman Church." In fact, Constantine the Great was the first to build an oratory over the saint's tomb.

What I found most interesting about St. Lawrence is that he is considered the patron of comedians. Apparently he was executed by being placed on a gridiron over coals of fire. While he was literally being cooked alive, he called to his persecutors, "I'm done on that side. Flip me over." If you click on the image above you will get a better view of this portrayal. One other funny note - St. Lawrence is also the patron of cooks.

May we call upon St. Lawrence to pray for us in times of adversity that we too may trust so much in the power of God that we can face anything with cheerfulness.

For further reading:

Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Lawrence

Catholic Online: St. Lawrence, Martyr

EWTN: St. Lawrence, Martyr and Deacon