If Saint Lawrence (225-258) had not been martyred for the faith during the third century after the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, then history probably would not remember him. Tradition teaches that Lawrence was born and raised in Spain. When he was twenty- five years old, he was befriended by a traveling Christian philosopher. Converted by the Good News of the Risen Christ, Lawrence accompanied the philosopher and his companions back to Rome. Seven years later, in 257, this philosopher became Pope Sixtus II (215- 258). The Holy Father ordained his young friend to the deaconate and appointed him an Archdeacon of Rome, a position of great trust and responsibility.

Beyond these few facts, we know almost nothing else about Lawrence’s life —until his untimely death. In August 258, Emperor Valerian ordered the summary execution of all priests, deacons, and bishops. Pope Sixtus was arrested and murdered while celebrating the Sacred Liturgy. Soon thereafter, Valerian ordered Deacon Lawrence to inventory the property of the Church and surrender it all into the imperial treasury. But Lawrence had another plan. As quickly as possible, he gave away all of the Church’s property (including the vessels used at the liturgy) to the poor, the sick, and the homeless. And on the appointed day, Lawrence appeared before the emperor with the true riches of the Church — its good and faithful people.

For his defiance and disrespect, Lawrence was tortured by fire unto death. Nearly eighteen centuries later, he remains among the most venerated saints in church history, not necessarily because of the way he lived, but because of the cause for which he offered his life. Saint Lawrence sacrificed everything for the promise of eternal life. He died for Christ. He died for Christ’s Church. He died serving God’s favored children. And his martyrdom speaks to the universal vocation of all disciples — to live and die for Jesus and to follow in his footsteps until the very end.

In a sermon for the Feast of Saint Lawrence (August 10th), Saint Augustine (354-430) says: “The garden of the Lord includes not only the roses of martyrs, but also the lilies of virgins, the ivy of married people, and the violets of widows. There are no human beings, beloved friends, who should despair of their vocation.” Everyone has a place in the life of the Church. Everyone has a job in the Lord’s vineyard. Everyone is called to a unique mission. Some are called to holy orders. Some are called to religious life. Some are called to married life. Some are called to the single life. And all are called to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and build up the Church.

According to Saint Augustine, to fulfill our vocation is to follow Christ with heart and soul and with every fiber of our being. It takes humility, docility to God’s Word, and a willingness to serve and perhaps even suffer for the sake of others. We may not be called to martyrdom. We may not be remembered as saints. We may not be remembered at all. But in the end, with God’s grace, we will run the course, accomplish our mission, and join the angels and saints in the choir of heaven. So with Saint Lawrence, we cry out with confidence: “I worship my God! I serve God alone! I am not afraid!” Saint Lawrence, pray for us! Saint Lawrence, pray for the Church! Saint Lawrence, pray for our suffering world!

Cliff Garvey
Associate Minister
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: cgarvey@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (8-7-22)
Bringing Home the Word (8-7-22)
The Kids Bulletin (8-7-22)

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Call to Prayer
A Prayer to Saint Lawrence
Feast Day – Wednesday, August 10th

Saints of Summer
Mini-Retreat Series
Continues Thursday, August 11th

Saint Clare of Assisi

Summer is a good time of year to step back from the business and busyness of daily life and focus on our relationships with Jesus, our church, and those we are called to love. Unfortunately, few among us are able to leave behind home, work, and family for a real retreat from the responsibilities of the world. For this reason, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, in collaboration with the Assisi Project, is pleased to announce a special series of mini-retreats called The Saints of Summer.

Throughout his priestly ministry, Pope Francis has called people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about and pray with the saints. The Holy Father believes in his heart that the saints bring us closer to Christ and to each other. He says: “The saints are still here, not far from us; and their images in our churches evoke the ‘cloud of witnesses’ that always surrounds us (cf. Hebrews 12:1)…The saints remind us that even in our lives, however weak and marked by sin, holiness can unfold (4-7-21).”

In this spirit of unfolding holiness, all are invited to join us twice each month in July, August, and September for a series of two-hour mini-retreats. These moments of prayer, reflection, and adoration will focus on the lives of six amazing saints: Saint Ann, Saint Mary Magdalen, Saint Clare of Assisi, Saint Rose of Viterbo, Our Lady of the Angels, and Our Lady of Sorrows.

Each mini-retreat will begin with the celebration of Holy Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 8:00am. After our shared prayer, Father Jim and-or Cliff Garvey will offer a reflection on the life, inspiration, and veneration of a saint whose life of holiness has inspired men and women all around the world. There will be time for questions and faith sharing, too. After our reflection and discussion, all are invited to pray in silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and in veneration of holy relics of each saint of the day. We will conclude each day of prayer beginning at 9:30am with the Holy Rosary followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Here’s the rest of our summer schedule of mini-retreats:

Saints of Summer 1
Saint Ann – Grandmother to the World
Assisi Project Podcast
Listen Now!

Saints of Summer 2
Saint Mary Magdalen – Apostle for the Rest of Us
Assisi Project Podcast
Listen Now!

Saints of Summer 3
Our Lady of the Angels — Leaning In
Assisi Project Podcast
Coming Soon!

Saints of Summer 4 – Saint Clare of Assisi
Feast Day – Thursday, August 11th
Begins with Mass at 8:00am
Saint Anthony Chapel
Gloucester, Massachusetts

Saints of Summer 5 – Saint Rose of Viterbo
Saturday, September 3rd
Begins with Mass at 8:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Gloucester, Massachusetts

Saints of Summer 6 – Our Lady of Sorrows
Feast Day – Thursday, September 15th
Begins with Mass at 8:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Gloucester, Massachusetts

We hope and pray that you and your family will be able to join us for all or even just part of this unique series of mini-retreats in celebration of The Saints of Summer! For more information about this series or about the good work of the Assisi Project in our home parishes, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. Mark your calendar! Spread the word! Bring a friend! Let’s pray together! All are invited! All are welcome!

Learn More: Franciscan Media’s Saint of the Day

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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Summer Carillon Concerts
Begins Friday, August 12th