St. Lawrence of Brindisi Catholic Church was founded in 1908  on the property on Compton Avenue at 101st Street in the heart of Watts.  In 1922 the Capuchin Brothers, were invited to take charge of the parish and it was renamed to honor the Franciscan Saint, Lawrence of Brindisi. Today we have a thriving church dedicated to serving the community, a school nurturing the education of students K-12 and more than 40 ministries serving the Lord.

We the family of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, as followers of St. Francis of Assisi, grow in our Catholic Faith through prayer, the Eucharist, fellowship and service to the poor.

The Capuchin Franciscans, a Roman Catholic religious order of brothers and priests, are inspired by the ideals of St. Francis. Francis was a unique and dynamic individual who lived life with a passion for peace, honesty and charity. While society was turning away from Christian values, Francis embraced the message of Christ and lived simply, serving the poor.

In 1908, in Watts, California a special church was founded on Compton Avenue. Originally this church was named Most Holy Redeemer. Later the the order of the Capuchin Franciscans came from Ireland and took charge of the parish. In 1922 they renamed the parish, Saint Lawrence of Brindisi after a Capuchin saint that was known for his intelligence, scholarly work, and miracles.

Learn more about the Capuchin Franciscans of the Western America Province here.

Fr. Robert Sewe
Pastor
Fr. Simon Gichuki Mbuthi
Associate
Br. Mark Mance

Julius Caesar Russo was born in Brindisi, in the Kingdom of Naples, modern-day Italy, to a family of merchants. As a child, he studied under the Conventual Franciscans in Brindisi, impressing the friars with his oratory skills, which were often showcased during special events, such as Christmas. Later, he relocated to Venice, where he continued his education under the Capuchin Franciscans. It remains unclear whether he moved with his mother or if she had also died after entrusting his care to an uncle who was a priest.
In Venice, the Capuchins, a new branch of the Franciscans, aimed to adhere more strictly to the original Rule of Saint Francis, particularly in regard to poverty and simplicity. Under both the Conventuals and Capuchins, Julius demonstrated exceptional learning. In 1575, at the age of sixteen, he joined the Capuchins in Venice, adopting the name Brother Lawrence.  After seven years with the Capuchins, Brother Lawrence was ordained a priest in 1582.

In 1605, the Pope sent Father Lawrence to Germany to assist in countering the Protestant Reformation. He collaborated with princes and kings to establish the Catholic League, aimed at defending the rights of Catholics and later resisting the Turkish invasion. A devout Franciscan, his ultimate goal was always to achieve peace, a task at which he excelled. 

Father Lawrence died in Portugal on his sixtieth birthday. His intellect and influence were so profound that during his canonization process, it was stated, “He can truly be numbered among the holy doctors of the Church.” Indeed, in 1959, Pope John XXIII recognized him as one of the Doctors of the Church, making him one of eight Franciscan saints to receive this honor.
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St. Lawrence of Brindisi Catholic Church
10122 Compton Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90002

Parish phone number: (323) 567-1439
Parish email: [email protected]

Our parish gift shop is here to serve both the English and Spanish speaking communities and shoppers of all ages.
Our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who make this beautiful shop possible.

Generally open during these hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday & Friday Closed
Saturdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM