Thursday after the first Sunday in Lent San Lorenzo in Panisperna It has been said that the traditional stories about Saint Lawrence portray not only a man but the “classical figure of a martyr.” He was one of the seven deacons of Rome and was martyred in 258, four days after Sixtus II, during the Valerian persecution (253-260). Tradition says that, when ordered by the city prefect to hand over the church’s riches, he assembled the poor and sick and presented them to the prefect, saying, “Here is the Church’s treasure.” Thereupon, he was put to death by being roasted on a grill, where he is said even to have kept his sense of humor, advising his tormentors that it was time to turn him, since he was “done” on that side. Saint Lawrence was one of the early and great martyrs of Rome, being venerated from at least the fourth century, and is the patron of deacons. San Lorenzo in Panisperna is located on the Viminal Hill amidst the ruins of the Terme Olimpiadi, the traditional site where St. Lawrence suffered martyrdom. Though Franciscan nuns now serve the church, formerly it was served by the Poor Clares, who were visited frequently by Saint Bridget of Sweden and her daughter, Saint Catherine of Sweden. The name Panisperna, however, is rather under dispute. It could stem from the union of two families whose names were “Panis” and “Perna.” The name could also originate in a dole of bread and ham (pane e perna) distributed by the monks of the church’s abbey or the Poor Clares, perhaps on August 10th of every year, the feast day of Saint Lawrence. Boniface VIII raised the church in the thirteenth century to a higher level; unfortunately, none of the older building is to be seen now. The crypt encloses the place where Saint Lawrence is said to have suffered. Under the porch is a chapel where an oven believed to be the one on which St. Lawrence was roasted alive is kept. Ask the sacristan if you wish to see it. Also here are the crucifix which spoke to Saint Bridget and relics of Saint Lawrence, Bridget, Crispin and Crispinian (patrons of shoemakers). Location: 90 Via Panisperna, one block south of Via Nazionale. Directions: Take Bus 64 or 40 to Via Nazionale, and get off on the first stop (bus 40) or the second stop (bus 64). Continue walking in the direction of the bus, taking a right on Via Milano. At the end of the street, take a left, and the church is in front of you.