Fr. Lawrence Paul (John) Sullivan of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was born on July 10, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts to parents Timothy and Florence (nee Morrison) Sullivan. On September 7, 1951, he was clothed in the Carmelite habit and made his profession on September 9, 1952. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 24, 1960.

During his priestly ministry, Fr. Lawrence received a Licentiate in Theology from the International College in Rome (1961), a Doctorate in Theology from the International College in Rome (1964) and a Master of Arts in Medieval Sciences from the University of Montreal (1968). He taught in Rome and served his community in house ministries, and as a part of the Institute of Carmelite Studies.  

Fr. Lawrence was born to eternal life on November 9, 2015, and is buried at the Carmelite Cemetery in Hubertus, Wisconsin.