Saint Laurentius

Patron saint of all who serve barbecue is Laurentius of Rome (225-258). He was the archdeacon of Pope Sixtus II in the 3rd century. At the time of persecution by Emperor Valerian, Laurentius was imprisoned along with the Holy Father. After the assassination of Pope Sixtus II, Emperor Valerius laid claim to the Church’s treasures and ordered Laurentius to hand over to him all the Church’s riches that had been placed in his care. Laurentius asked for leave to collect what was requested, but spent his time distributing precisely what was there to the poor. When he returned to his judges empty-handed, but with a large group of poor people, he declared, pointing to the procession of people, “See there all the treasures of the Church.

Because they did not believe him, he was flogged and beaten with lead bullets. But even that didn’t loosen him up. It was then decided to torture him on a grate over a fire. According to a legend, after being roasted for several hours, he then is said to have said, “I’m already cooked on this side, so now turn me over. Hence, he is revered as a patron saint by all professions involving fire.