Saturday 10 August 2024 at 12:00

Charterhouse of San Lorenzo

Sala del Capitolo

On August 10th, Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr, to whom the Certosa of Padula is dedicated, is celebrated.

Saint Lawrence is one of the most venerated saints of the Catholic Church, known for his courage and unwavering faith. Likely born in Spain at the beginning of the 3rd century, Lawrence moved to Rome where he became one of the seven deacons of the city, tasked with managing the Church’s assets and caring for the poor and needy.

Under the pontificate of Pope Sixtus II, Lawrence was chosen as archdeacon, the first among the deacons, with the responsibility of the Church’s charitable activities. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian, Pope Sixtus II was arrested and sentenced to death.

When Lawrence was arrested, he was ordered to surrender the Church’s treasures. In response, Lawrence gathered the poor, the sick, and the marginalized and presented them to his persecutors, declaring, “Here are the treasures of the Church.” This audacity enraged the authorities, who condemned him to death.

Saint Lawrence suffered martyrdom on August 10, 258. According to legend, he was burned alive on a gridiron.

Saint Lawrence is remembered not only for his heroic martyrdom but also for his service to the poor and his testimony of faith. He is the patron saint of deacons, cooks, and firefighters, and is often depicted with a gridiron, the symbol of his martyrdom.