The Grilling of Saint Lawrence

Lawrence was ordained by Pope Sixtus II and appointed First Deacon, or Archdeacon, of Rome. One of his duties was to manage the Church’s finances. The Emperor Valerian had Pope Sixtus put to death in 258 CE and the Prefect of Rome ordered Lawrence to deliver the Church’s riches. Lawrence delivered what he considered the Churches riches - the crippled, blind, and suffering. This infuriated the Prefect who had Lawrence grilled on a gridiron over hot coals. Legend has it that after cooking for a while Lawrence cheerfully stated “I am well done. Turn me over.” After martyrdom, he was canonized as the first of many Saint Lawrence’s, and became the Patron Saint of Cooks, Chefs, and Comedians.