At the end of June, whether from a seat in the cathedral or facing a computer or TV screen, many of us watched Fr McCarroll’s ordination. That ancient ritual contains any number of striking moments: the candidates prostrate before the altar while we sang the Litany of Saints, the long prayer that asked God to change these deacons into priests, the moment when each of the newly ordained, for the first time, shared aloud a part in the Eucharistic Prayer.

But, one rite that many of you commented on was the laying on of hands—first the bishop, then the procession of the assembled priests placing their hands on the candidates, a sign asking for the Holy Spirit to dwell within them. Some of you even asked: “When that’s happening, are you aware—do you even sneak a peek—of whose hands touch you at each particular moment?” Sometimes we do—a quick glance, maybe even recognizing the pattern on the hem of a vestment. One priest friend of mine was very aware of who was passing by in the line. He explained to his family afterwards: “As each priest laid hands on me, I asked God to give me the particular gift that priest had lived out in his ministry—for one a passion for caring for the poor, for another excellence in preaching, for another a deep reverence for the liturgy.”

When we celebrate the feasts of our saints, we’re asking for those special gifts.

Today, we honor St Lawrence, the patron saint of one of our churches. I hope we know his story. A deacon who cared for the poor of Rome. A young man willing to face torture and death for the sake of the gospel. A believer whose hope in heaven allowed him to joke with his executioners.

Let’s pray for his gifts today. Pray that we’re never so comfortable that we forget to hear the cries of the poor. Pray that the good news of Jesus Christ will continue to unite us as a truly Catholic community. Pray that we will grow in a love that will welcome the stranger and attract those who seek God.

St Lawrence, deacon and martyr, pray for us!