Several Days late for his feast day, but I though I'd share a great article on St. Lawrence, one of the big early models of the Permanent Diaconate.
Sentenced to death in the Emperor Valerian's sweeping condemnation of all Christian clergy, Lawrence offended the Emperor-and thereby endeared himself to all Christians since-by assembling before Valerian the "gold and silver" of the Church. According to the tradition, Deacon Lawrence, knowing that the fervor of Valerians' hatred was extending to all Christians who owned property, began to give it all away. He distributed the money and treasures of the Church to the city's poor-believing the clear admonition of the Savior that they were blessed and especially loved by Him.
Valerian heard the news and wanted the treasure to satisfy his unbridled lust for worldly power. So, he offered Deacon Lawrence a way out of sure death...
Read the rest at catholic.org
Even if you were familiar with the story about St. Lawrence, I'll bet you didn't know that he is a key individual in the 'mystery' of the whereabouts of the Holy Grail. For the full and
riveting tale, and to find out the ACTUAL history of the Chalice Christ used at the last supper, listen to the
Saintcast #108. Or if you don't like to hear a good story well told, I suppose you can check out a the highlights over at Fr. Z's
What Does the Prayer Really Say.
