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BIOGRAPHICAL ARTICLES

EDUCATOR FROM INDIA MAKES THINGS HAPPEN

By Phyllis Andreoni, Education Reporter, The Morning Union,

 Springfield, Massachusetts. January 22, 1986.

 [Excerpts]

 The Rev. Hedwig Lewis, a Jesuit priest and vice president of the coeducational St Xavier’s College in Gujarat, India, laced intensity with humour as he told of his great desire to “make things happen”. Just as Francis Xavier made his mark on India in the 16th century, Lewis, 39, the author of two best sellers, “Fun With Words” and “How To Study”, is determined to make his own mark on that culturally diverse and changing land – through education.

Enrolled in American International College’s master’s program in Human Technology Training, the only one of its kind in the world. Lewis is also full-time assistant parish priest this year at Mount Carmel Church in Springfield. In addition, he conducts classes at GENESIS, a spiritual life program in Westfield, and lectures at other colleges….

Lewis’ family came originally from Goa, a Portuguese colony on the western coast of India.  But Lewis himself was born and raised in Bombay. He entered the Jesuit order after high-school graduation. Thirteen years later, he was ordained, along the way acquitting a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English literature. He was appointed in 1978 to St Xavier’s College as a teacher, counsellor and director of the Xavier Institute of Languages. “Some people thought I was teaching psychology because of the counselling,” he said. […]

St Xavier’s admits students based solely on merit. The college has been first down the line, he said, ranging from computer programs and the “best English” in bilingual teaching to champion sports teams and the only college cultural festival in the state of Gujarat. “Everybody wants to come to Xavier College,” Lewis said. “They respect our discipline and our offerings.” 

He told of the consistent university championships won by the college’s soccer and basketball teams, the pioneering efforts in a variety of fields and the bottom line of “human values” in every aspect of college life.

Lewis also co-ordinates co-curricular events and conducts the three-day orientation for freshmen. He rearranged the college’s schedule to put two free periods together for “something special in human values –‘Value Education’.” …

LIVES OF GREAT MEN…

*Fr. Hedwig Lewis, S.J.*

By Fr Arthur Pinto

The Ahmedabad Missionary (TAM) February 2004

As I flipped though the pages of India Today, March 1, 2004 – The High and Mighty – I was hoping to find some familiar names and faces in the Power List 2004. The Ambani brothers and others among the fifty Power People were familiar names. I was missing Power People from our own religious community, “men and women who exercised their clout behind the scenes either visibly or quietly but always effectively”. But they were absent; a note from the editor states, “we have eliminated godmen and spiritual leaders of any kind”.

I was inspired, then, to look around for Power People in our religious communities, precisely here in Gujarat: men and women who have made a lasting impact, while remaining away from the limelight. The lead article in the February issue of The Ahmedabad Missionary highlighted the contributions of one such man of substance, Fr Lopez de Pariza Jose M.  As the author pointed out: “Zeal was interwoven in every sinew in him and hardships were accepted on the stride because his sense of service knew no bounds” (TAM February 2004)

My search for another in this category was not difficult. After talking to a few people I zeroed in on Fr Hedwig Lewis.  I myself knew him a little, but I had heard much about him, so having decided to write this piece I thought that it would be best to interview Fr. Lewis himself. When I told him of the purpose of my visit he reacted: “Why waste your time!” but soon obliged by displaying on his computer screen some biographical information from his own website (http://joygift.tripod.com).

Fr Lewis completed his S.S.C. in Bombay, then joined the Society of Jesus in Gujarat (1964). It was during his Jesuit formation that he equipped himself for the “magis” in his life. He did exceptionally well at college (MA at MSU, Baroda).

He was appointed to the Arts Faculty at St Xavier’s College as lecturer in English after his priestly ordination in 1977. He also took over as Director of the Xavier Institute of Languages. Given his multifarious talents, he initiated several activities for the students. He started the Saturday cultural activities, Culfest, Value Education, Career orientation programmes, campus interviews, and counselling. More, he spent his evenings and late-nights in offering Spiritual Direction to mainly prenovices, but also seminarians (for several years he would come to the Minor Seminary at Mirzapur every Friday evening for Spiritual Direction), and religious. Fr Lewis never cribbed his time and was available to all and sundry. He spent several of his summer vacations substituting for Parish Priests in Anklao, Nadiad, Jhagadia. He also directed several retreats during the year, including one for non-Christian Arts faculty members, and conducted Personal Growth Labs for managers in corporations.

In 1984 he was appointed Vice-Principal of the College. He took a two-year 'sabbatical' (1985-87) in the U.S., where he enrolled for his second Master's degree (in HRD), but also served as assistant pastor in two parishes, and taught a course on The Art of Prayer at a Catholic College. In 1988 he was given an additional responsibility: Rector of the College community.  In 1991 he was appointed Principal of SX College.

As Principal, his approach was "people oriented". He encouraged lay-staff participation. He got the office-staff to work more efficiently. He sought to inculcate the "Xavier's spirit" by publishing a booklet entitled The Xavier Character (also in Gujarati) which was given to each new student with the admission form. This booklet was later integrated in the "Prospectus" of the College. He organized seminars on The Jesuit Characteristics of Education for the reaching staff, and had follow-up meetings.

Fr Lewis was honoured in 1993 by the All India Association for Christian Higher Education (AIACHE), with the Rev T. A. Mathias Award for Innovative College Teachers. The citation read: "This prestigious national award is a mark of AIACHE’S recognition of his devotion to academic excellence, introduction of educational innovations, concern for the integrated development of students and commitment to high standards of professional ethics."

Fr Lewis' life took a drastic turn in 1995. He underwent a heart By-pass surgery in June, and he was struck by a neurological disorder in October. Eventually he had to resign from his post as principal and even as a faculty member. Many others would have probably said: “but why me”! But for Fr. Lewis it was a challenge, a new beginning a fresh opportunity. “I have tremendous trust in the providence of God,” says Fr Lewis. He knew the Lord would take care of him and the prayer of St Ignatius “Take and Receive” became his strength and inspiration. “I have never prayed for the cure of my sickness,” he confided, “But I always ask the Lord for healing." Fr Joe Braganza, his senior by many years says: “Fr Hedwig Lewis did not allow his illness to break his spirit”.

It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and Fr Lewis took up the pen as a powerful weapon to counter the un-spiritual values prevailing in society and to make an impact in various fields of life. A compulsive reader and prolific writer, Fr Lewis has over the past several years edited magazines (Apostles of Gujarat, Ave...) authored research papers and books that have touched where healing and change were most needed. Before his illness he had published three books. One of them, At Home With God (1991) was translated into Spanish and is in its 9th edition presently. Fr Lewis produced 16 more books during his period of illness, beside other publications.

Thus, even though partially incapacitated, he opened up to new possibilities, to be counted among those “men and women who exercise their clout behind the scenes visibly or quietly but always effectively”. He does still meet people and counsel them and he spends the bulk of his time and wisdom preparing manuscripts for his next publication.  And all in all, he still finds time for his religious community, his friends and for his admirers. 

Politicians form a genre of their own and excluding them from among the High and Mighty may be justified. Godmen and spiritual leaders are another group and putting them all in the same basket is probably unjustified. There are godmen and spiritual leaders who are quacks and there are godmen and spiritual leaders of high calibre and such men surely need to be recognized and counted. This piece is an effort by TAM to recognize one such and count him among the High and Mighty!  

A Jesuit Author of International Repute:
Fr Hedwig Lewis, SJ

By Fr. Varghese Paul, SJ

 In recent years he is not seen in public and yet he is an internationally known author. He remains confined to his room or to the house library and yet he is a much sought after spiritual counsellor. He is hardly seen in conversation with his friends and yet he is communicating with the whole world through his own website (http://joygift.tripod.com) and the internet. He is not proud of his achievements and yet I am proud of my novice companion. He is Fr Hedwig Lewis, SJ of Gujarat Province of the Society of Jesus. We did our noviciate and Gujarati language studies together at Mount Abu, Rajasthan for three years.

Fr Hedwig Lewis was born in Mumbai on October 19, 1945 to devout parents Mr Placid Lewis & Mrs Mary Lewis of Goan origin. Being in touch with Gujarat Jesuits he entered the Jesuit noviciate at Mount Abu in 1964 just after his matriculation in Mumbai. During his Jesuit formation and priestly studies Fr Lewis did his MA with English literature from the MS University, Vadodara. He was ordained a priest in 1977 and then joined St Xavier’s College at Ahmedabad as lecturer in English. Being a resourceful person with many talents and qualities Fr Lewis initiated several extra curricular activities and personality development programmes for the college students like Saturday cultural activities, value education, counselling, etc. He has also conducted programmes for managers in the corporate world.

He became the Vice-Principal of the College in 1984. Then he took a sabbatical break in 1985-87 to do his second MA in Human Resource Development from the American International College in Springfield, Mass., USA. He also served as Assistant Pastor in two parishes, as well as taughty in a Catholic college there. On his return Fr Lewis was appointed Rector of the College Jesuit community in 1988 and then, Principal of the College in 1991.

In recognition of his educational innovations the All India Association for Christian Higher Education (AIACHE) honoured Fr Lewis with the Rev T. A. Mathias Award. The Award citation reads: “This prestigious national award is a mark of AIACHE’S recognition of his devotion to academic excellence, introduction of educational innovations, concern for the integrated development of students and commitment to high standards of professional ethics.”

Fr Lewis was successful in imparting the Jesuit Charism to the college staff and students alike especially through his booklet “The Xavier Character” which was later integrated in the prospectus of the College. He has also served the College as Director of the Xavier Institute of Languages and also as the Director of the Xavier Centre for Human Resource Development.

In June 1995 Fr Lewis under went open heart surgery and later in October suffered a neurological disorder which forced him to leave his teaching carrier. The incapacitating sickness could not defeat the spirit of ad majorem dei gloriam in Fr Lewis and he launched into a new career of writing. While studying theology at Vidya Jyoti, New Delhi Fr Lewis edited “Ave” and now he edits “Navajuni” a quarterly publication of the Jesuit Parivar (family) in Gujarat.

Fr Lewis is well-known in the English and Spanish speaking world as a popular author especially in spirituality and counselling. His first book “At Home With God” (1991) has run into several editions including nine editions in Spanish. His books “Fun With Words” and “How to Study” are popular especially among school and university students. He has 19 books to his credit and many of them fetched good reviews in many Church newspapers and periodicals.

# Fr Varghese Paul (C) copyright 2006 [Website]

A MAN OF MANY FACETS

– FR HEDWIG LEWIS, S.J.

By Rappai Poothokaren, S.J.

The Ahmedabad Missionary, No 818, April 2009

Twenty-six books published in twenty-five years, 20 of them in the last dozen years – Fr Hedwig Lewis is a prolific writer! Many of his books have been translated into different languages – Spanish, Lithuanian, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu. “En Casa Con Dios”, his first book translated into Spanish in 1996, went into 14 editions in ten years. His book “Body Language”, published by SAGE, was recently translated and published in Malayalam. It will soon be published in five other Indian languages. His 27^th book, “Living Passionately – Challenges for Personality Development and Effective Relationships”, is in the press. Hedwig has also written numerous articles for magazines in India and abroad. [This book was released in June 2009, with the total number of books rising to 27, and one more in the press].

Born in Mumbai, from parents who were originally from Goa, Hedwig joined the Society of Jesus in Gujarat in 1964. Besides his long years of priestly studies, he has Master’s Degrees in English Literature and in Human Resource Development, from the USA.

Hedwig was primarily an educationist. He not only taught students in the classroom, but strived to develop them as human beings psychologically and spiritually. As counsellor to university students, as hostel rector, as principal of St Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, he spread his benign presence among the students and staff. He also reached out to the business world giving training in HRD to executives in industry. He was honoured with the Rev T. A. Mathias Award for Innovative College Teachers by the All India Association for Christian Higher Education (AIACHE) in 1993.

In June 1995 he underwent cardiac by-pass surgery, and in October that year was struck with Meige’s Syndrome – a neurological disorder that causes incessant and involuntary movements of the arms and head. Not one to be cowed down by the ups and downs of life, Hedwig continued his work unabated. His condition did not allow him to continue his educational Mission in the College, so he dedicated himself almost fully to the “intellectual apostolate” – writing and publishing books, which he had started earlier, even in the busy years of University teaching and administration.

His publications are on wide-ranging subjects, and fall under several categories:

-Spirituality: Retreat guides, Prayer manuals, Ignatian spirituality.

-Skill-building: Body Language, Study methods, Word-games, Careers.

-Biography: Challenged persons, Missionaries, Saints.

-Inspirational: collections of stories, poems, quotes.

-History of the Church in Gujarat.

-Festive: Christmas, Valentine's Day.

-There is also an e-book on the earthquake that devastated Gujarat.

As these categories reveal, the versatility of the man is incredible. His works are “person-centred”, with the focus on how to improve the quality of life – physical, intellectual, psychological and spiritual. A wide spectrum of readers in different parts of the world, treasure his writings.

I interviewed him in his living room, spartan, but well organized. The computer takes the centre place on his uncluttered table. He seems to operate in the ‘brave, new paperless age’ of ‘writing’! It is hard for him to talk at length because of his ailment. But we are old friends, and communicate easily. I asked him what he found was most satisfying in his Mission of writing. He told me that the feedback that he receives from Jesuits and others after reading his books encourages him very much to continue writing and publishing. He added, with a smile, “It is not easy to receive praise and appreciation from Jesuits!” Some of his books are in public libraries, and he sometimes gets feedback from very unknown and unexpected quarters. He also corresponds regularly with admirers from across the globe.

He told me that he found the writing of books a very enriching experience. In the case of some books especially he clearly experienced the Spirit moving him, urging him, as well as the Providence of God. The inspiration, the right materials, the flow of the book, etc… just happen. There is the sweat, of course! But he had the distinct feeling that ‘Another’ was moving him from above. As a feedback he received put it, “your books are inspired, hence inspiring.” This experience was very strong while writing one of his first and most popular books, “At Home With God” (1991). It was translated into Malayalam, Spanish, Lithuanian, and Telugu.

I asked him where the inspiration for his writing comes from. He told me that his counselling sessions, courses, retreats, books, the internet… trigger off the inspiration. When something strikes him, he pursues the idea with great tenacity – reading up, gathering material, consulting people and researching.

Hedwig uses the tools of modern communication effectively. Internet is an incredibly vast ocean of information, data and inspiration. He browses, gathers, sifts, organizes and classifies the resources available in e-space, and uses them creatively. On Jesuit history and saints he seeks help from Jesuit confreres all over the world, and their support has been wonderful.

Hedwig even ‘published’ an e-book, available to all in e-space! “Ramblings Over Rumblings”. He describes the books as, “‘Word-pictures’ of the devastating earthquake in Gujarat (26 January 2001) that capture significant scenes – like photographs in a family album, which are preserved for posterity”.

I asked him about his future plans. He has plans to complete several unfinished manuscripts… He does not at all feel any compulsion to write and publish, but goes by the inspiration of the moment or the appeal of significant events in the Society of Jesus. Presently, though, he is working on a biography of the Venerable Bernard Francis de Hoyos SJ, the pioneer apostle of the Sacred Heart in Spain, who will be beatified in the spring of 2010…

I came away with a feeling that hard work, grit, creativity and a desire reach out to people can take one far, very far, in spite of great obstacles.

An Exclusive Interview with Fr Hedwig Lewis, SJ

DNC Times [De Nobili College, Pune] October 2014.

1: Fr Hedwig, on 20 June this year you celebrated the 50th anniversary of your joining the Society of Jesus. Isn’t this another “red letter day” for you?

Well, it’s a golden milestone on which I rest awhile to scan the historical landmarks on my life-map. There are farther horizons to explore and more boundaries to cross.

2: We gather from your website that you were appointed to St Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, after your ordination in 1977. You have been professor, student counsellor, Vice-Principal and Principal. Also, Rector, Director of the Xavier Institute of Languages and Xavier Centre for Human Resource Development. How do you now perceive that period of your life?

The word perception brings up images of the two men who looked out of prison bars: “One saw mud, the other stars.” I have looked high and low, at my peak moments and my pitfalls, my lights and shadows. I am left with a feeling of fulfilment, because I gave 100% commitment to my mission, and lived out the Ignatian Magis. What I cherish most was the opportunity given me by the Society of being in the service of education in its diversity. And the multi-tasking it involved enabled me to develop my administrative skills, taught me how to handle crisis situations, helped me interact effectively with all classes of people.

3. You had to resign from college and public ministry in 1995 because of a neurological illness. Yet, you have authored over thirty books since then. What has been the secret of your energy and productivity?

I would say ‘deep trust in Providence’. I felt the need of inner strength to transcend my physical disabilities. I was still fresh from my research on the Spiritual Exercises for my book At Home With God, which was published four years earlier. One basic principle that surfaced in my helplessness was that I am a “co-labourer” with God. If I do my best, within my limitations, God will do the rest. This ‘partnership’ worked for me, and for the greater glory of God. My books became my pulpits, my messengers. When the going got tough, I gazed at the picture of The Smiling Christ on the Cross posted on my bookshelf for strength and inspiration. 

4: Looking back at your five decades in the Society, can you recall some of the convictions and motivations you had during formation?

Thanks to this Jubilee Year, I have done some soul-searching of my life as a religious, guided by my sharp visual-memory, and several diaries (that survived the dustbin) containing my emotional responses to events. Let me give you a rough idea of my orientations as a scholastic.

<> I was convinced that Religious life is only for the stout-hearted. Jesus says: take up your cross daily and follow me (Lk 9.23). Whenever I found myself in a comfort zone, I would look around for the “cross” I had dodged… and start afresh. I also used to routinely check whether I was compromising between what was convenient and what was challenging, between striving for perfection and seeking loopholes.

<> AMDG was, and remains, the crucial “compass” and “touchstone” for my attitudes and actions, my self-development and social commitments.

<> I had a passion for wholesome living; that is, developing all-round abilities. I believed it was important to have a craze for at least one extracurricular activity (not a hobby) that would enhance my future ministries. Jesuits who are not “crazy” tend to be lazy. One area I concentrated on was creative writing. Providentially, during Philosophy this talent was noticed, and I was handed charge of editing the province vocation magazine Apostles of Gujarat, as well as the diocesan vocation monthly Children’s Page. In Theology I was given editorship of AVE. Through these opportunities I was able to lay a solid foundation for what would turn out to be, by a twist of circumstances, a writing career. I also developed expertise in counselling through reading and attending seminars/workshops, and skills for youth apostolate.

5: Can you share one significant experience that impacted your life as a priest?

After the ceremony of my ordination on 16 April 1977 at the Goregaon Seminary in Mumbai, while boarding the special bus for the railway station, a teenager approached me and asked whether he could join us. I said yes but paid no further attention to him. The train was not crowded, and my family and friends could sit together. As I turned my head, I noticed the lad a couple of rows away with his eyes fixed on me. I felt some vibes and an inexplicable urge to meet him. I quickly excused myself from the group and sat next to him. He said he was hoping to speak to me. He had been so impressed when he saw me at the altar, he explained, that he felt God prompting him to confide in me. I was deeply touched. I counselled the boy fervently till his home-station arrived. We parted as friends with promises to keep in contact. The story does not end here but for the present I want to share its impact on me.

It may seem like a commonplace incident, but to me it was certainly a “moment of recognition” of my call within the Call. A mysterious transformation was taking place within me during that short encounter. Even as I was conversing I was experiencing the movement of the Spirit in my mind and heart. I suddenly began feeling like a different person. I felt I was no longer in the usual friendly-counsellor mode, but was transformed into a pastor entrusted with a mission to heal a broken world. 

That night before going to bed, my thoughts were not on the euphoric ceremony of the day, or even about the fact that I was a priest at last. I was simply overwhelmed with God’s ‘ordination gift’ to me in confirming my heart’s deepest desire of being recognized as a spiritual director and counsellor.

I had taken for granted that it would be years before I established myself as a counsellor, but the incident in the train revealed that I was already on track. And as if to reassure me, there were more divine surprises in store. A month later when I arrived at the college where I was appointed to teach, I was told I would have to also double-up as Student Counsellor since the former one had unexpectedly left the college. Oh, how my heart bounced on receiving this bonus from Providence! The next thing I know, I was in my predecessor’s trendy office ready to launch my campus ministry. Down the decades, I have held numerous administrative positions, and have been involved in varied activities, but counselling and spiritual direction have remained my forte.

6: Thanks for sharing at such personal depth. One final question: what qualities do you feel Jesuits in training need to develop?

I have been out of touch with scholastics. However, years ago I had given a ‘Recollection’ where my talks provided five pointers for living out the Jesuit charism, under the acronym IGNIS. I trust they are still relevant. I’ll give you an outline from my old notes.

> Impelled by the Spirit. You must be constantly attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, through the daily Examen and prayerful discernment, so as to become more and more spiritual (personal level), more and more compassionate (social outreach).

> Geared for excellence. The emphasis is on “gearing”. This means ‘equipping’ yourselves with professional skills as you strive to become better than your best – in every field, human/spiritual. Gearing prepares you to become life-long learners and to manage yourself. There are superiors and directors of work who tend to be unprofessional in their attitudes and aptitudes. Many either remain non-functional or get burnt out easily for lack of basic managerial know-how.

> Non-Negotiables: do not compromise with anything that obstructs you from living out zealously the Society’s motto of AMDG-Magis.

> Ignatian: Your words and deeds must be branded “Ignatian”, and must clearly reflect Ignatian values and spirituality.

> Servant-leadership: Ever to love and to serve, unconditionally and universally, especially the marginalized at all levels of human society.

https://formationguj.blogspot.com/2014/10/an-exclusive-interview-with-fr-hedwig.html

Celebrate Fr. Hedwig Lewis, SJ

By Archbishop Thomas Macwan

Every person is created in the image and likeness of God: divine, beautiful, unique, talented and much more! There are however some notable exceptions: some who inspire others through their life example, holiness, spiritual writings. One such person who has inspired others throughout his life and writings is none other than Fr. Hedwig Lewis SJ.

Though he is undergoing [hardship] through physical limitations, his writings illuminate the darkness of our lives and of our world! Personally, I am deeply impressed and touched by his life and writings and that is why, this brief note on him!

Fr. Hedwig Lewis is a wonderful Priest, a great Jesuit and an extraordinary person! This year (on 10 October) he will complete eighty years of his pilgrimage year on earth. Last year, June 2024, he completed sixty years as a Jesuit. He was ordained in April 1977, that makes it more than 48 years as a Priest in the Lord’s vineyard!

Fr. Hedwig Lewis is essentially an educationist and writer. He was a lecturer and later Principal of St Xavier’s College Ahmedabad. He was an educationist par excellence and he is also the recipient of the Rev T. A. Mathias Award for Innovative College Teachers from All India Association for Christian Higher Education (AIACHE), New Delhi, in 1993.

Many years ago, a rare type of illness resulted in making him a physical handicap. However, he did not give up- he continued writing and through his books inspiring thousands of people the world over. He does so relentlessly today- despite all odds! He is a special gift to mankind!

As a prolific writer, Fr Hedwig, has so far authored almost 50 books; his publications are on wide-ranging subjects that fall under several categories: spirituality, prayer, skill-building, biographies, inspirational, history, festive, and e-book. Some of his most noticeable works are at Home with God (1991), Happiness Manufacturers (2001), Mirrors of Life (1998), Once Upon a Time (2010), Fun with Words (1983), and Gujarat Jesuits Remembered (2002). Several of his books have been translated into Spanish, Lithuanian; some have been translated into different regional languages, including the previous edition of ‘Body Language’, which was translated into Malayalam. (incidentally, ‘Body Language’ has sold over 20,000 copies!).

Fr Hedwig is truly a profile in courage. Each time I visit him in Loyola Hall, Ahmedabad, I am inspired by this wonderful person.  Therefore, I ask you to join me in celebrating him and thanking God for giving us all, this very precious gift in the person of Fr Hedwig Lewis!

- Chronicle, Archdiocese of Gandhinagan, August 2025