Bishop Lawrence Nicasio has joined the Ancestors

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Bishop Lawrence Sydney Nicasio was 67 Years Old

Belize, Central America – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan has announced that Bishop of Belizean Garifuna Heritage, Bishop Lawrence Sydney Nicasio has died.

In their Death Announcement Press Release, they stated, “With great sadness, I inform you of the Death of our beloved Bishop Lawrence Sydney Nicasio. He died peacefully on Monday, January 1st 2024 at his residence in Belize City, while under the care of hospice after an extended and debilitating struggle with Cancer.”

The Death Announcement continued, “He was 67 Years Old. We offer sympathies and prayers for his family, to the priests, religious friends, and the faithful whose lives he touched throughout his 34 years of Priestly and Episcopal Ministry.”

Funeral Arrangements for Bishop Lawrence Sydney Nicasio

Holy Mass of Thanksgiving for the Life of Bishop Lawrence Nicasio to be held at Holy Redeemer Cathedral, 144 North Front Street, Belize City on Monday, January 8th 2024 at 10:00 am. His body will be received at 9:00 am for viewing.

Holy Mass of Christian burial for the late Bishop Lawrence Nicasio to be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral, East King Road, City of Belmopan, on Tuesday, January 9th 2024 at 10:00 am. His body will be received at 9:00 am for viewing. His body will be buried in the Co-Cathedral Yard.

Last Week, on December 28th or 29th 2023, there was a Mass for Bishop Nicasio. I don’t know what Church held that service, but I was able to see a few minutes of the service on Facebook. Below, I will include screenshots of Video of the service. It was likely Bishop Nicasio’s last public appearance.

Bishop Nicasio was in attendance as he sat in a Black, Yellow and Grey Wheelchair surrounded by fellow Catholic Priests.

Screenshots of Video of Service where Bishop Lawrence Nicasio was in attendance. December 2023. Courtesy of Facebook.

Other Services for Bishop Lawrence Nicasio

Prayer Service for Bishop Lawrence Sydney Nicasio. Friday, January 5th 2024 at Holy Redeemer Cathedral. Commencing with Holy Rosary at 6:30pm and the Mass thereafter.

On Saturday, January 6th 2024, Father Joseph Gongora will celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Dangriga, Belize in memory of The Most Reverend Bishop Lawrence Nicasio at 6pm.

Biography of Bishop Lawrence Sydney Nicasio

Bishop Lawrence Nicasio was born in Belize in 1956, and was ordained a priest in 1989. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, United States of America, and a Master of Divinity in the Kenrich College Seminary, in the same archdiocese. 7 News Belize reports that Father Lawrence Nicasio is from Dangriga, Belize.

Prior to being ordained as Bishop, Father Larry Nicasio has served in the following roles: parish vicar of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Belmopan (1989-1995); pastor of the Inmaculada parish in Orange Walk, secretary and treasurer of the presbytery council and master of liturgical celebrations (1995-2006); pastor of the San Ignazio parish and administrator of the St. John Vianney parish in Belize City (2007-2013); and president of the Diocesan Priest Association and member of the college of consulters (2007-2009). Bishop Lawrence Nicasio is of Garifuna Descent / Heritage.

Bishop Lawrence Nicasio has presided over the Annual Belize Garifuna Settlement Day Mass in Brooklyn over many years. I met Bishop Nicasio through photographing him at various Masses in Brooklyn.

(Photo Below) Father Lawrence Nicasio getting a Certificate of Appreciation at The Annual Belize Garifuna Settlement Day Mass in Brooklyn.

(Photo Below) Father Lawrence Nicasio at The Garifuna Settlement Day Mass in Brooklyn in 2013.

Father Lawrence Nicasio at The Garifuna Settlement Day Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Brownsville, Brooklyn in 2013. Photo by Teofilo Colon Jr. All Rights Reserved.

Response to The Death of Bishop Lawrence Nicasio

The National Garifuna Council released a Statement on their Facebook page regarding the passing of Bishop Lawrence Nicasio.

The statement read, “The National Garifuna Council extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Bishop Lawrence Nicasio 🌹His unwavering dedication and spiritual guidance have been a pillar in the Garifuna Community, and his Legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the Catholic congregation of Belize during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace. 🙏🏾. Lameragua lidan lidarangilan Suntigabáfu.”

Below is a statement from St. Ignatius High School.

“Rest In Peace Bishop Lawrence Nicasio.

5th September 1956 – 1st January 2024.”

“With a heavy heart and profound regret, St. Ignatius High School extends our deepest condolences to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan and all who cherished The Most Reverend, Bishop Lawrence Sydney Nicasio. Bishop Nicasio was not only a guiding spiritual light but also an inspiring figure who touched the lives of many within our community.”

“His unwavering commitment to faith, education and compassion left an indelible mark on our students and faculty. We fondly remember his visits to our school, where his wise words and warm presence uplifted everyone. His dedication to the service of God and community was a shining example to us all.”

“In this time of sorrow, we stand together in Prayer and Rememberance of Bishop Nicasio. His Legacy of kindness, wisdom and faith will continue to resonate within The St. Ignatius High School family and beyond.” “May God grant him eternal rest, and may his soul, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.”