by Patrick Macy
Every school newsletter needs a compelling title. It was obvious to
us that St. Lawrence Academy’s had to be more than simply The
St. Lawrence Academy Newsletter. Of course, as teachers, we
know that answers come through questions. What can be said in a
few words that will present a picture of what our newsletter is
about? What words will convey our vision? How can we express
the value we see in our students while at the same time giving a
sense of the meaning behind our mission? We found the answer in
the life of our patron, Saint Lawrence of Rome.
Saint Lawrence was a deacon who served under Saint Sixtus, the
patriarch of Rome, during the reign of Emperor Valerian in the 3rd
century. The holy patriarch suffered martyrdom following a decree
by the emperor commanding that all bishops, priests, and deacons
be put to death. Noticing Saint Lawrence’s disappointment at not
being called to suffer with him as he was being led to execution,
Saint Sixtus assured him, “You will follow me in three days.”
Saint Lawrence rejoiced to hear these words from his beloved
hierarch.
Along with these words, the patriarch also commanded Saint
Lawrence to immediately distribute to the poor all the treasures of
the church, which as the patriarch’s deacon, were in his care. No
sooner had Saint Lawrence carried out this order when the prefect
of Rome sent for him and ordered that he bring to him the
“concealed treasures” of the church. The prefect knew that many
vessels and items used by the church were made of gold and silver
along with precious stones. Saint Lawrence replied, “The church is
indeed rich, nor has the emperor any treasure equal to what it
possesses. I will show you its treasures….”
On the third day after the prefect’s request, Saint Lawrence
assembled the poor supported by the Church of Rome: from the
blind, lame, and diseased to the orphans, widows, and virgins. He
then invited the prefect to come and see the “concealed treasures”
of the church. Upon seeing those assembled, the prefect became
confused and asked Saint Lawrence what this meant and where the
treasures were that he had promised to show him. Saint Lawrence
answered, “What are you displeased at?… The light of heaven is
the true gold, which these poor objects enjoy…. Behold in these
poor persons the treasures which I promised to show you; to which
I will add pearls and precious stones, those widows and
consecrated virgins, which are the church’s crown, by which it is
pleasing to Christ; it has no other riches.”
The prefect, enraged by what he perceived to be a mockery of his
role and the power of the Roman Empire by Saint Lawrence’s
unanticipated response to his request, responded to him with these
words: “You shall die by inches.” Saint Lawrence would go on to
endure various tortures, including being broiled on a gridiron,
finally giving up his spirit as a heroic witness to the love and truth
of Christ.
As this story demonstrates clearly, the “concealed treasures” of the
Church are living treasures. Every member of the Church is a
living treasure, for each possesses the “light of heaven” given by
Christ, which is the “true gold” desired above all else in this world.
We believe that among the “pearls and precious stones”––indeed,
among those treasures that are most highly valued––are our
children.
As parents and educators, we know that raising these living
treasures is a great joy and privilege, yet at the same time is a great
responsibility that can only be accomplished through our humble
efforts and constant dependence upon the grace of God. It is why
Saint Theophan the Recluse proclaimed, “Of all holy works, the
education of children is the most holy.”
Our school is richly blessed to have Saint Lawrence of Rome as
our patron and heavenly intercessor! May he be an example of
sacrifice and service to all of us. As we ask in the Prayer to Saint
Lawrence, “…pray that we also may serve the Lord with joy and
holy boldness,” may we be strengthened and emboldened for the
work of educating our children, and may we be granted, as the
prayer says, “unconquerable joy” in our efforts on behalf of these
living treasures. “The Church is indeed rich.”
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