According to a ninth century "vita", Laurence was from Constantinople. The bishopric of Siponto being vacant, the residents sent to Constantinople for a successor. Around 491
Emperor Zeno appointed his relative Laurence. It is not clear whether Laurence was consecrated bishop in Constantinople or in Rome by
Pope Gelasius I. Laurence arrived in Siponto, bringing with him the relics of
Saint Agatha and
Saint Stephen. He was able to obtain from the emperor, material and workmen to build a church and baptistry. Shortly after his appointment in 491 he received the visions of
Saint Michael which led to the establishment of the shrine of
Monte Gargano. He is credited with allegedly persuading the Gothic leader
Totila to spare Siponto in 546. In 1066, the Diocese of Siponto was separated from Benevento and re-established. Two
vitas date from this time. "[N]o historical evidence survives for a Bishop Lawrence, and all signs of his cult date from the mid-eleventh century onwards..." ==Veneration==