St Laurence, Deacon & Martyr

Laurence the Deacon * hath wrought a pious work; who by the sign of the Cross enlightened the blind: and distributed to the poor the Church’s treasures.

℣.Thou hast crowned him with glory and honour, O Lord.

℟.And madest him to have dominion of the works of thy hands.

On the iron grate, * O God, I denied thee not; and when fire was kindled beneath me, O Christ, I confessed thee: thou hast proved my heart and hast visited me in the night season: thou hast tried me with fire, and hast found no wickedness in me.

℣.He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor.

℟.And his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Blessed Laurence, * when laid and burning on the iron grating spake to the impious tyrant, saying: The feast is ready, turn and eat; but the Church’s treasures, which thou claimest, have been garnered up in heaven, by the hands of the poor and needy.

℣.Laurence the Deacon hath wrought a pious work.

℟.Who by the sign of the Cross enlightened the blind.

Grant us, we beseech thee, Almighty God, grace to quench the flames of our sins: as thou didst endue blessed Laurence with power to overcome the fire of his torments. Through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth God, world without end.

℟.Amen.