Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence (白聖女と黒牧師) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hazano Kazutake. It was serialized in Kodansha's Shōnen Magazine R online magazine from April 2017 to January 2023, when the magazine was disbanded, and was transferred to the Monthly Magazine Base website in February 2023, with its chapters collected into thirteen volumes as of February 2024. An anime television series adaptation produced by Doga Kobo aired from July to September 2023.
Plot
Dwelling in the small outskirts of a peaceful town, Lawrence works as a local pastor for the townsfolk. When in need, he is responsible for guiding people to the church to visit the "Saint"—a symbol of good morals who heeds each parishioner's struggles and grants them sincere advice. Cecilia, a kind young girl, is tasked to fulfill this role; however, this tiresome job quickly exhausts her. That, paired with her hidden somnolent nature, often causes her to laze around the church. This leaves Lawrence to care for the church all by himself. While Cecilia sleeps in anticipation for her next visitor, Lawrence caters to her needs alongside performing the church's numerous responsibilities. Slowly but surely, they begin to form a comfortable and trusting friendship with one another. Lawrence accepting Cecilia's lax nature elates her while she grows accustomed to Lawrence's overly-doting nature. However, as the adoring and absent-minded saint's feelings for the dense and overly protective pastor progress past friendship, how will he respond?
Characters
- Seshiria (セシリア)
- Cecilia is a holy lady saint who publicly portrays herself as refined and dignified, but she only shows her languid demeanor when he is alone with Lawrence, whom she harbors a secret crush for.
- Rōrensu (ローレンス)
- Lawrence is a local pastor of a small rural church who looks after Cecilia, though he is rather dense when she tries to flirt with him.
- Aberu (アベル)
- Abel Nordley is Lawrence's best friend who studied with Lawrence at the seminary. He is very outgoing and joyful, though he can be serious and insensitive sometimes.
- Hēzeritta (ヘーゼリッタ)
- Hazelita Aldridge is Giselbert's younger sister. She is a friend of Lawrence and Cecilia, and she has a love interest for Abel, who is her tutor.
- Meru (メル)
- Mel is a fortune teller.
- Rebekka (レベッカ)
- Rebecca is Erik's mother and a clothing shop owner.
- Erikku (エリック)
- Erik is Rebecca's son.
- Gīzeruberuto (ギーゼルベルト)
- Giselbert Aldridge is Hazelita's older brother.
- Furederika (フレデリカ)
- Frederica is a holy lady saint from Hazelita and Giselbert's hometown who died after the wealthy family that kept her in custody only worshiped her holiness and refused to treat her like a mortal.
Media
Manga
Written and illustrated by Hazano Kazutake, Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence began serialization in Kodansha's Shōnen Magazine R online magazine on April 20, 2017.[7] On January 20, 2023, the series was transferred to the Monthly Magazine Base website after the disbandment of Shōnen Magazine R.[8] As of February 2024, thirteen volumes have been published. In North America, Kodansha USA has licensed the series for English digital publication.[9]
Volumes
Volumes
Anime
An anime television series adaptation was announced in June 2022. It is produced by Doga Kobo and directed by Sumie Noro, with scripts written by Yuka Yamada, character designs handled by Hiromi Nakagawa, and music composed by Ruka Kawada.[36][37] The series was initially scheduled for April 2023,[38] but was later delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the production.[39] It aired from July 13 to September 28, 2023, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The opening theme song is "Koi Sekai" (コイセカイ), performed by ClariS, and the ending theme song is "Toko Siesta" (トコシエスタ), performed by Sasanomaly.[40] Crunchyroll is streaming the series.[41] Aniplus Asia licensed the series in Southeast Asia.[42]
Episodes
Episodes
Reception
Reviewing the manga's first volume, Rebecca Silverman from Anime News Network praised its art, but had mixed feelings with the storyline, calling it "funny and sweet at times," while criticizing the lack of tension.[46]
See also
- The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, light novel series whose first volume was illustrated by Hazano Kazutake
External links
References
- Alex Mateo. Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence Anime Reveals English Dub's Cast, Premiere Anime News Network, July 25, 2023, retrieved July 25, 2023^
- Alex Mateo. Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence TV Anime Reveals 1st Promo Video, Visual, Additional Cast Anime News Network, December 14, 2022, retrieved December 14, 2022^
- Sarah Roach. If you've been watching Saint Cecilia & Pastor Lawrence, you may have heard my voice in recent episodes—I'm so excited to announce that I play Hazelita! This is SUCH a fun, sweet show—thank you @jadbsaxton for bringing me onboard! New episodes every Wednesday!🥖🧀 August 21, 2023, retrieved April 10, 2025^
- Joanna Cayanan. Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence Anime Casts Tomoaki Maeno, Reina Ueda Anime News Network, May 16, 2023, retrieved May 16, 2023^
- Ben Balmaceda. Happy to announce I'm joining the cast of Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence as Giselbert Aldridge, Hazelita's brother! He shows up in a flashback in ep. 4! This show is super cozy so I'm grateful to @jadbsaxton for bringing me aboard, catch it on @Crunchyroll! August 20, 2023, retrieved April 10, 2025^
- Natalie Van Sistine. Feeling blessed to be a part of Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence this week as Frederica. Thanks to @jadbsaxton for having me! 💖 August 20, 2023, retrieved April 10, 2025^
- https://natalie.mu/comic/news/229597 Comic Natalie, Natasha, Inc, April 20, 2017, retrieved June 16, 2022^
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- https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2238762/full/ Oricon, June 16, 2022, retrieved August 1, 2022^
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