September 28, 2021
Good afternoon,
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.”
Romans 16:3-6
I met with Father David yesterday. We spent nine years together in Floradale and Elmira. He was the priest at St. Teresa Catholic Church. We had monthly meetings with the ministers. David often could not come because he was performing Mass. But when he did make it, he was honest, funny, humble and engaging. His church hosted many ecumenical events while we worked together. I remember we had one last lunch together in August 2016.
One summer he had to leave the parish on stress leave. I wanted to visit him in Toronto, but the bishop would not let anyone see him. He came back in the Fall, and he had recovered well. He cared for me when I had my heart attack. When I was leaving Floradale in 2016, he had an attack on his liver ( while vacationing in the Caribbean ), and came back to Canada and had a liver transplant. He was forced to retire. from regular parish ministry.
When I met him yesterday, he looked well. He has moved back to where he grew up, in Hamilton. He fills in for priests who are on vacation, and he lives in a place with other retirees. He was the same guy. We had a great time over lunch. His humility still shines through all of who he is.
We all need mentors. Father David Lewis was mine for nine years. He is deeply rooted in Scripture and God’s love. He is committed to the worldwide church, and all its denominations. He has a strong faith, but is always open to new revelations from God.
Thank you God for David Lewis AMEN
Fred
Soaring like Vultures
lifted up by unseen Hands Trust, silent enters my fears Monica Pieper Landoni 2021