Media Release
Bengaluru, Sept 24: Fr Lawrence Noronha, one of the senior priests of the Archdiocese of Bangalore who served the church for nearly seven decades, died at the clergy home here at the age of 93.
Known for his simple lifestyle, gentle humour, hospitality and close engagement with parishioners, Fr Lawrence served in several parishes and institutions of the Archdiocese during his long priestly ministry. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 13, 1958, at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral by the then Archbishop Thomas Pothacamury.
Born on December 18, 1932, at Attur, Karkala, Fr Lawrence was the son of the late Felix Noronha and the late Carmine Noronha. He was one of seven children. He received his early education at St Lawrence Elementary School, Attur, and St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, before completing his high-school education at St Joseph’s Indian High School, Bengaluru.
He joined St Mary’s Minor Seminary, Bengaluru, in response to his priestly vocation and later pursued his formation at St Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli.
Served across parishes and institutions
During his nearly seven decades of priestly service, Fr Lawrence served as assistant parish priest, parish priest, headmaster, secretary, manager, dean and spiritual director.
His assignments included St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Cleveland Town; Sacred Heart Church, Richmond Road; St Theresa’s Church, Robertsonpet, KGF; St Joseph’s Middle School; the Archbishop’s House; St Anthony’s Church, T C Palya; St Mary’s Orphanage; Holy Family Church, Chitradurga; Christ the King Church, Malleswaram; St Paul’s Church, Marikuppam; Holy Cross Church, BEML Nagar; St Theresa’s Church, J C Road; Assumption Church, Rajajinagar; St Jude’s Church, R T Nagar; Cathedral Deanery; and Bhakti Bhavan.
In each assignment, he was known for his simplicity and commitment to pastoral service. His ministry brought him into contact with people from different walks of life, and many remembered him for his approachable nature, warm smile and gentle humour.
A priest close to his people
The Eucharist remained at the centre of Fr Lawrence’s priestly life. The celebration of holy Mass, Eucharistic adoration and taking Holy Communion to the sick and bedridden were important parts of his ministry.
He regularly visited families, particularly those facing sickness, difficulties or loneliness. Through his sermons and personal conversations, he encouraged the faithful to embrace prayer, love, humility and sacrifice.
He did not seek prominence. His quiet manner and unassuming personality enabled him to relate naturally to people. Many remember him not merely for his ministry at the altar, but also for his warm smile, gentle humour and ability to make people feel welcome.
“Some people preach from the pulpit. A few preach through their lives. Fr. Lawrence Noronha preached through his smile, his silence and the compassion in his eyes.”
A life of simplicity and generosity
Fr Lawrence’s personal life reflected the Gospel values he preached. He lived simply and kept his material needs to a minimum. Whatever he could spare, he was known to share with people who were poor or facing difficulties.
His life bore witness to contentment, detachment and generosity. His priestly service was marked not by the pursuit of office or prominence, but by giving himself quietly and consistently to God and to others.
He also had a special concern for the poor, widows and those who struggled in life. Young people considering priestly and religious vocations received his encouragement and support.
A formator and servant of the Church
Apart from parish ministry, Fr Lawrence contributed to the formation of future priests. In the later years of his ministry, he served as Spiritual Director at the Archdiocesan Minor Seminary, accompanying seminarians in their spiritual and human formation.
He was also associated with the CCBI Lectionary, contributing to the wider liturgical life of the Catholic Church in India.
Known for his discipline, remarkable memory and extensive knowledge of the Archdiocese, Fr Lawrence was conversant in several languages, including Latin. These gifts enriched his pastoral and liturgical ministry.
He was also a classmate of the late George Fernandes, former Union Minister of the Central Government, during their years at St Mary’s Minor Seminary, Bengaluru.
A faithful servant until the end
Even in advancing age and amid health challenges, Fr Lawrence remained committed to his vocation. His later years were marked by the same patience and quiet faith that had characterised his priestly life.
His death marks the passing of a generation of priests who devoted their lives to building and strengthening the Church through decades of pastoral service. For the Archdiocese of Bangalore, his departure is a moment of profound loss; for those who knew him personally, it is also an occasion to give thanks to God for the gift of his life and priesthood.
The Archdiocese expressed its gratitude for his simple, tireless and dedicated service, while offering heartfelt sympathy and prayerful support to his family members, relatives, friends and the many parish communities in which he served.
Funeral mass on September 25
The funeral mass of Fr Lawrence Noronha will be celebrated on September 25, 2026, at 10.30 am at Sacred Heart Church, Bengaluru, followed by the interment of his mortal remains at the Sacred Heart Priests’ Cemetery.
As the Church commends him to the mercy of the Risen Christ, the words of Scripture provide a fitting farewell:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23