Born Lawrence Edward on September 21, 1908 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Michael and Rebecca Merriman and was called Emmet by his family. In late August 1924 he went to the Passionist Preparatory Seminary, Normandy, Missouri. In July 1928 half of the class went to Louisville, Kentucky to begin the novitiate while the other half remained in Normandy to begin the first year of college. Young Lawrence went to Louisville. A short time before perpetual vows he decided to leave the Passionists and join the DeMonfort Fathers and Brothers in Canada. He, however, did not succeed well in studies with them and it was recommended that he cease his studies for the priesthood. He then entered their novitiate as a brother candidate. For thirteen years he was a member of their Congregation. Six of them were spent among the Native Americans in British Columbia where he was a certified engineer and ran a ferry. It was after several years that he got in touch with Father James Patrick White, C.P. who permitted him to enter the Passionist novitiate where he professed his vows on September 29, 1946 and was ordained on May 19, 1951. He became a preacher of parish missions and retreats especially in rural areas of the Midwest. He later was assigned to Alabama and Japan. His last years were spent at Sierra Madre, California. In 1987 he was transferred to Chicago, Illinois to assist Father Roger Mercurio as procurator of the missions.
Birth Date:
September 21, 1908
Profession Date:
September 29, 1946
Ordination Date:
May 19, 1951
Death Date:
March 14, 1990