Msgr Gauthreaux | St. Maria Goretti Church

Celebrating Msgr. L. Earl Gauthreaux

Reverend Monsignor Lawrence Earl Gauthreaux, J.C.L. the longest-tenured pastor in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, passed away February 8, 2020 at the age of 89. He had served as pastor of our parish, St. Maria Goretti here in New Orleans since 1968.

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“I have loved as God wants us to love. I could never be a politician, especially an ecclesiastical politician. I must be honest, truthful, just, a good, kind friend to all, even the bishop, who may not appreciate what I stand for. I am happy with what I am and what I have achieved and the work I have done, all I have helped in my priesthood. I have been in the company of the best, and have been in great places and great times. I think I have helped and taught much to many priests and people. Thank you, God. Be merciful to me, a sinner. Let me forever be in the company and presence of my best friend and family. Deo gratias (thanks be to God).” - Reverend Monsignor Lawrence Earl Gauthreaux, J.C.L.

Funeral Services

RITE OF RECEPTION

Friday, February 14, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.

Visitation

Friday, February 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass (11:00am, Sat, Feb 15th) at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127.

Vigil Service

Friday, February 14, 2020 Rosary at 5:00 p.m. Vigil Service to follow at 6:00pm at St. Maria Goretti Church

Funeral Mass

Saturday, February 15, 2020 11:00 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Church

Funeral Services - Plaquemine, LA

Visitation

Monday, February 17, 2020 from 5:00 pm. – 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine, LA

Funeral Mass

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, Plaquemine, LA

Biographical Information

Lawrence Earl Gauthreaux was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, the third of six children of Paul Edward Gauthreaux, Sr. and Mabel Agnes Chriss. He was educated in Plaquemine from 1936 and graduated Valedictorian of the 1947 St. John High School Class. He continued his education at St. Joseph Seminary College, Covington, La. from 1947 until 1950 and then entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he studied until 1956. Monsignor Gauthreaux was ordained on June 9, 1956 serving in the priesthood for over 63 years. In 1960, Archbishop Joseph Rummel sent him to the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. to study Canon Law and upon completion of his studies he returned to New Orleans in 1962 with a Licentiate in Canon Law. Upon completion of his studies, he returned to New Orleans in 1962 with a Baccalaureate and a Licentiate in Canon Law. At the age of 37, because of his expertise in Canon Law, Father Gauthreaux was called to Rome to assist with the writing of Vatican II laws of the Catholic church. On June 1, 1968 Father Gauthreaux was appointed Pastor of St. Maria Goretti Church, New Orleans. He was named a prelate of honor by Pope Paul VI on April 12, 1975 with the title Monsignor. He was pastor of St. Maria Goretti Church in New Orleans, Archdiocese of New Orleans for 53 years.

Monsignor's Corner

Take a look back at Monsignor Gauthreaux throughout the years at St. Maria Goretti during times of hardship and triumph.

Msgr. Gauthreaux's feature in the Clarion Herald

Hurricane Katrina's devastation of the St. Maria Goretti Campus

1st Parish Picnic post-Katrina

Re-Opening of SMG post-Katrina

Goretti Playground's 40th Anniversary gift to Msgr. Gauthreaux

Msgr. Gauthreaux attends CYO Basketball Championship ; SMG Wins

Feast of St. Maria Goretti (2011)

2012 Columbian Squires State Convention

Msgr. Gauthreaux's 82nd Birthday Celebration

SMG hosts City of New Orleans Night out Against Crime