Laurentius, Saint

Laurentius, Saint

In early Christian art St. Laurence usually carries a copy of the gospels, to denote his office of deacon. In the Church of St. Laurence, in Agro Verano, at Rome, there is a mosaic of the 6th century, representing the martyr with an open book in his hand, on which may be read the words "dispersit, dedit pauperibus " (Ciampini, Vet. Mon. tab. 66:2), in allusion to his kindness to the poor.