Edward Michael “Mike” Lawrence Sr., an influential Catholic journalist with long ties to the diocese, died at his home in Warrenton June 20 at the age of 83.
A native of Bayside, N.Y., Lawrence received a degree from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn., and a law degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington. But instead of practicing law, Lawrence became editor of the Catholic magazine Triumph where he served 1966-76.
“He was smart, a great writer himself, and an excellent editor of the work of others,” said Anne Carroll, wife of the late Christendom College founder Warren Carroll, who worked at Triumph and later founded Seton School in Manassas. “His articles and editorials were some of the best that Triumph published. Above all, Mike was totally committed to the Triumph vision, which is that Jesus Christ should be the heart of everything we do.”
“Triumph said things no one else wanted to say,” Carroll said. “His vision was the vision that gave birth to Christendom College and to many other apostolates. Though Triumph had to close in 1976, the vision is alive and well.”
Father James R. Gould, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church in Purcellville, recalled reading Lawrence in Triumph when he was in high school. “The theme and ground for Triumph magazine was that Catholic culture could be active in current politics,” he said. “They had quite the influence on the rise of Catholic colleges like Christendom and the rise of Catholic education that was truly Catholic. I especially enjoyed the wit and wisdom for things historical and things that are hopeful.”
Lawrence is survived by wife Mary Jo, whom he married in 1964; six children; and 11 grandchildren.
When Triumph moved its headquarters from Washington to Virginia, the Lawrences moved to Fauquier County where they became active parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Church in Warrenton. Lawrence authored a history of the parish and served in many leadership positions including as usher, on the parish council and with the Knights of Columbus.
After his career at Triumph, Lawrence had a long career in direct marketing and went on to found his own firm in Warrenton, Lawrence Direct Marketing, which is owned today by his son Jim Lawrence.
The family will receive friends and family at a wake at Moser Funeral Home, 233 BroadviewAve., Warrenton, June 24 6-8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John the Evangelist, 271 Winchester St., Warrenton, June 25 at 11 a.m., followed by burial at BrightView Cemetery in Warrenton and a reception at Moser Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. John the Evangelist Church.
