Tears of Saint Lawrence
The “Tears of Saint Lawrence” or “San Lorenzo” fall every year in mid-August. Who was Saint Lawrence? He was an early Christian martyr, the first of seven deacons, who was executed on August 10th, 258 under Pope Sixtus II. The Roman Emperor Valerian ordered the persecution of all bishops, priests and deacons.
The shooting stars seen on his anniversary every year are said to be the tears of Saint Lawrence that he shed during his martyrdom. It is said that his tears are suspended throughout the year, but that they fall on August 10th.
I walked down the country road in the Mohawk Valley on this summer night. ‘’Lo and behold, I saw one of his tears. It was a Perseids-meteor shower emanating from the constellation Perseus as was discovered by an astronomer Adolph Quatelet. It left me in wonder, full of awe.
Besides these tears, Saint Lawrence is said to have a good sense of humor. His body was placed on a gridiron with hot coals beneath. Indeed he is the patron Saint of chefs and comedians.
“Turn me over. I am done on this side.” He said as legend has it.
This legend took hold in the middle of the Fourth Century. Mediterranean folklore has it that these “sparks” are the cooled embers forming under plants known as the “coals of Saint Lawrence.”
St. Lawrence is often portrayed holding a gridiron and wearing a dalmatic, a long vestment with wide sleeves originally made from wool (from the Dalmatian Region).
He is also the patron saint of librarians, wine makers, students, butchers, brewers, miners and the poor.
Indeed, I have seen no less than six shooting stars this month.
Saint Lawrence pray for me.