Fr. Richard Lewnau
Fr. Richard Lewnau’s love for God and selfless dedication to the Church inspired holiness in those who knew him, whether they were parishioners or his brother priests.
Those and many other kind thoughts were shared by Catholics in the Archdiocese of Detroit on Thursday as news spread about Fr. Lewnau’s sudden death in an auto accident on Wednesday afternoon. Fr. Lewnau was 35 and was serving as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Emmett and Sacred Heart Parish in Yale, and administrator of Sacred Heart Mission in Brown City.
The Michigan State Police reported that Fr. Lewnau’s vehicle had crossed the median of Yale Road in Brockway Township, which is north of I-69 between Port Huron and Lapeer. His car struck a pickup truck nearly head-on, according to reports. The driver of the other vehicle survived.
Fr. Lewnau was ordained in May 2004 and had left strong impressions on many during his time as a priest.
“We have many fond memories of Fr. Richard, but our favorites are how he walked the spiritual and holy walk he was meant to, and inspired many of us here at this parish to do the same,” said Linda Barthow, secretary at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lapeer, where Fr. Lewnau had been associate pastor from 2005 until 2008.
Barthow said that Fr. Lewnau said Mass for a community of home schooling parents at Sacred Heart Parish on the morning of his death. According to those present, Barthow said he gave his homily on the importance of being vigilant because death could come at any time, and that it should not be feared when Christians are prepared for it.
Anne Estelle, principal of Bishop Kelley School in Lapeer, recalled Fr. Lewnau’s enthusiasm for Catholic education.
“He greeted the students every morning in any kind of weather,” she said. “He was very down to earth, participating in talent shows, Halloween festivities and spirit days – yet he was very pious, celebrating Mass and benediction with the children.”
She also recalled his love for technology and making sure the school was keeping up with the latest trends.
Fr. James Lopez, who was in Fr. Lewnau’s ordination class, described his classmate as “selfless.”
“When you take a look at what he did in his six years at the seminary and his six years, going on seven, of priesthood, everything was very selfless,” Fr. Lopez said. “He did what was asked of him.”
Fr. Lopez remembered Fr. Lewnau’s giving attitude during his first assignment as an associate pastor at St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish in Detroit. Because of the large Hispanic population at the parish, Fr. Lewnau volunteered to take an intense course on the Spanish language so he could better relate to the parishioners.
“He didn’t have to do that, but he said he wanted to reach out to the community,” Fr. Lopez recalled.
Fr. Lopez also said that Fr. Lewnau served as a spiritual example for his fellow priests, too – giving his blessing in a genuine way and showing his love for talking with God in prayer.
“He would always say ‘God bless,’ and he was reminding us, just in those small words – he meant it,” Fr. Lopez said. “He lived it.”
Fr. Lewnau was familiar to The Michigan Catholic, too. In 2007, he wrote this column on vocations, describing his own calling and saying that his years as a priest “have been the happiest of my life.”
At the time of his ordination in May 2004, Fr. Lewnau said his greatest hope and prayer was “to always remain faithful to the Church and to bring as many souls to Christ as possible.”
Fr. Lewnau was born on May 2, 1975 in Livonia, and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on May 29, 2004. He served as associate pastor at St. Isidore Parish, Macomb Township (2004-2005); and Immaculate Conception Parish, Lapeer (2005-2008); and as pastor of St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, both in Detroit (2008-2010).
He will be waked at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 West Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills (248-553-0120). Visitation will be on Sunday, October 24 from 2 to 9 p.m., with a Scripture service at 4 p.m.; and on Monday, October 25 from 2 to 9 p.m., with a Scripture service at 7 p.m.
Fr. Lewnau will lie in state on Tuesday, October 26 at Prince of Peace Parish, West Bloomfield, from 9 a.m. until the celebration of his Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Fr. Lewnau was predeceased by a brother, Jeff, in 2003. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Carol Lewnau; and brothers, William, Joseph (Kerri), Steven, and Johnny. Condolences may be sent to Father’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lewnau at 5359 New Court, West Bloomfield, MI 48323.
Please keep Fr. Lewnau, his family and all of our parish communities in your prayers during this difficult time.
