St Lawrence is the patron saint of cooks, comedians and fire prevention, no doubt reflecting his martyrdom. He was one of the seven deacons of Pope St Sixtus. He was condemned to a slow, cruel death, tied to a grill above a fire. God gave St Lawrence strength and courage and even a sense of humor. As he burned to death, he said “Turn me over, I’m done on this side”.
St Agatha is also the patron saint invoked against fire. While St Agatha’s Feast Day is February 5, these two Feast Days of St Lawrence and St Agatha (6 months apart) offer excellent opportunities to check fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, changing batteries and talking over a plan with the family, in the event of a fire. Develop your own Family Fire Safety Plan.
We were blessed to meet Fulton last week, a charming 6 year old who was accidentally burned in a gasoline fire when he was 4 and a half. He gives out a little card with “Fulton’s Burn Facts” along with 5 things to do for major burns, after 911 is called. His Mom offers this Burn Safety Activity in honor of St Lawrence and recommends this link for First Aid for Burns
In A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families , we suggest a BarBQ or a marshmallow-roasting bonfire (or Miniature Bon Fire in a large empty coffee can, outside!) to celebrate your Semi-Annual Family Fire Drill. Use caution and common sense…teaching kids to stay safe around fire…and keeping marshmallow sticks out of eyes!
 Feast Day Crafts and Activities
Excerpts from A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families , various posts at Equipping Catholic Families and our future Saint Scripts Craft Kits (Series THREE).
St Lawrence and St Agatha,
Pray for us!
Do you have your own family activities, traditions, crafts or celebrations to share for this special Feast Day? Don’t forget to add it at the Celebrate the Saints Link-Up…or pick up an idea or two for your family to enjoy!
Speak Your Mind