Lawrence Bultmann, OFM

1881 – 1964

Fr. Lawrence Bultmann, OFM, was born on Dec. 23, 1881 in Guetersloh, Germany. He was received into the novitiate in 1902, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1906 and was ordained in 1908.

He spent his early years as a priest in Butler, and Paterson, N.J. Fr. Lawrence also cared for the missions in Wanaque, N.J., and Ringwood, N.J. In 1914, he was appointed assistant novice master at the novitiate at St. Bonaventure in Paterson, and two years later he became pastor of St. Bonaventure Parish, Paterson. He built the sisters’ convent there, and also cared for the mission of St. Clare in Delawanna, N.J.

In 1920, moved by letters from Patrick Gilgan in China, Fr. Lawrence volunteered to be a missionary. He arrived in China in 1921 and remained there for 27 years. In 1948, ill health forced him to return to the United States. He served as chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Jersey City, N.J., and at St. Francis Health Center in Denville, N.J. Fr. Lawrence remained an active member of the community at St. Raphael’s Friary in Lafayette, N.J., during his final years.

He died there on Oct. 27, 1964. Fr. Lawrence was 82 years old, a professed friar for 61 years, and a priest for 56 years.