Today’s Podcast explains Saint Lawrence’s martyrdom and the memory of this holy place of martyrdom carried down through the centuries by charity of nuns, the charity of the third patron saint of Rome, St. Brigid of Sweden, and ultimately the fulfillment of all of this in the EUCHARIST:

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The Third Patron of Rome: San Lawrence — Bread, Flesh, and the Fire of Faith

Rome has seven major churches dedicated to St. Lawrence (San Lorenzo), each tied to different aspects of his life, martyrdom, and veneration:

1. San Lorenzo in Panisperna – The site of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom, where he was roasted alive on a gridiron. The name Panisperna refers to the traditional distribution of panis (bread) and perna (ham) by the Poor Clares.
2. San Lorenzo fuori le Mura – One of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, this papal minor basilica is the site of St. Lawrence’s tomb, making it one of the most important shrines dedicated to him.
3. San Lorenzo in Damaso – Located within Palazzo della Cancelleria, this church was historically linked to the office of the Deacon of Rome, the very position held by St. Lawrence before his martyrdom.
4. San Lorenzo in Fonte – The site of St. Lawrence’s imprisonment before his execution. Tradition holds that he baptized his fellow prisoners here using a miraculous spring.
5. San Lorenzo in Miranda – Built within the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina in the Roman Forum, this is traditionally considered the site where St. Lawrence was sentenced and condemned by the prefect of Rome.
6. San Lorenzo in Lucina – This minor basilica preserves an important relic: the gridiron upon which St. Lawrence was martyred.
7. San Lorenzo in Palatio ad Sancta Sanctorum – Located at the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), this was originally a private papal chapel.

Each of these churches tells a unique part of St. Lawrence’s story—his life, his sacrifice, and his lasting spiritual legacy in Rome.

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