Born in Spain in the first half of the 3rd century, Lawrence was charged with the responsibility for the material goods of the Church, and the distribution of alms to the poor.
 
After Pope Saint Sixtus II and his deacons were arrested by soldiers of the Emperor Valerian and beheaded, Lawrence knew he would follow soon after them. In preparation for his death, he sought out the poor, widows, and orphans of Rome and gave them all the money he had on hand, selling even the sacred vessels of the altar to increase the sum. When Valerian heard of this, he imagined that the Christians were hiding a considerable treasure. He sent for Lawrence and told him that if he would show him where the Church's great treasure was located, he would spare his life. Valerian was delighted when the deacon asked for three days to gather all the gold and silver of the Church together in one central place.
 
On the third day, Lawrence gathered a great number of blind, lame, maimed, leprous, orphaned, and widowed persons and put them in rows. When Valerian arrived, Lawrence simply said, “These are the treasure of the Church.” The emperor was so infuriated that he told Lawrence that he would die, but it would be by inches. He had a great gridiron prepared with coals beneath it, and had Lawrence’s body placed on it. After Lawrence had suffered the pain for a long time, he made his famous cheerful remark, “It is well done. Turn me over!” and died.
 
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
 
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.