Seminarian, 30, Called Home to God; Dies in His Sleep

A 30-year-old seminarian at St. Paul Seminary-School of Divinity died unexpectedly in his sleep August 31 while visiting his mother’s home in Anamosa, Iowa.

John Wesley Lawrence had graduated from Iowa State University and worked an accountant in downtown Des Moines when he heard God’s call to the priesthood. He entered the seminary in January 2013, and was expected to be ordained to the priesthood in June 2018. He was looking forward to traveling to Philadelphia with other seminarians from the Dioceses of Des Moines to see Pope Francis during his U.S. visit later this month.

Monsignor Aloysius Callaghan, seminary rector, told the Catholic Spirit:

“John was eagerly awaiting the beginning of another year of preparation on his journey to God’s altar. He was a good-natured, affable, and friendly young man who related with his peers and superiors. He demonstrated great gifts for relating to and serving others with a pastoral heart.

“On Tuesday the Lord who heard John’s ‘yes’ to a call to priesthood, called him once more to himself. May he rest in peace.”

The Catholic Spirit has the full story, with a tribute from Bishop Richard Pates, bishop of Des Moines, who called him an “anchor.”

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.