Feast of San Lorenzo Martire

San Lorenzo Martire, ora pro nobis

August 10th is the Feast of San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence), Deacon and Martyr. Patron saint of cooks, comedians and the poor, he is also invoked against fire. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, he is the principal patron of Scala (SA), Bagnoli Irpino (AV), Rose (CS), Sogliano Cavour (LE), Sant'Agata Li Battiati (CT), San Lorenzo Bellizzi (CZ), and Busso (CB), among others. The annual Perseids meteor shower, nicknamed the “Tears of Saint Lawrence” (Lacrime di San Lorenzo), reaches its peak on (or near) his feast day and traditionally, weather permitting, family and friends would get together and gaze into the sky, hoping to see some shooting stars.

In celebration, we're posting a prayer to Saint Lawrence. The accompanying photo is my makeshift shrine. Evviva San Lorenzo Martire!

Prayer to Saint Lawrence

O Generous patron of the Church’s poor, St. Lawrence, pray to the One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit that all the poor of the Church in need in every corner of the world may feel the effect of the love of their brothers and sisters who seek to help them. Deliver the Church from the greed and envy of the powerful and protect her rights and property so that she may serve the needy in freedom, giving them good things for soul and body. May we come some day with all those whom we helped on earth to the bright mansions of heaven where we will enjoy the riches of God’s house and the company of the Savior who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen