This is the feast day of Saint Lawrence, deacon. Deacons are another one of the many treasures that I found happily when I came into the Catholic Church. In this photo, Deacon Mahefky stands by during the Easter Vigil of 2012. The only light here is from the light of the new fire that has been lit. Soon the Easter Candle will be lit from the fire and the Deacon will bring it into the Church, singing “Lumen Christi!”

Saint Lawrence was known for his fearlessness and good humor in the face of Roman persecution. Here are some resources to read more about this wonderful deacon. Happy feast day to all of you deacons!

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/kathyschiffer/2013/08/turn-me-over-im-done-on-this-side/

Some beautiful stained glass photographed by Dominican Paul Lew, and an interesting homily of his for the day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/7751958534/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/2624273034/

http://lawrenceop.tumblr.com/post/29122860886/homily-for-st-lawrence-of-rome-2-cor-9-6-10-ps

UPDATE: See this post at Vultus Christi, with wonderful paintings of Saint Lawrence by Blessed Fra Angelico.