Who Was Ron Lewinski?

In the prior, and first, installment in this series I mentioned that the new book “Remembering Ron Lewinski” includes contributions from about 60 individuals who knew him. There are some common attributes mentioned in the remembrances: love of liturgy, a faithful priest, a sense of humor, intelligence and wit, leadership and vision, inclusiveness, and a workaholic. There is recognition of the paradox that he was an introvert who actively socialized. He was an intellectual who wrestled with religious theologies as readily as he did with a young teen who would later become an award-winning wrestler in college. Ron enjoyed swimming in community pools and backyard lakes, and was adept a navigating the hierarchies of clergy in the local and national church.

There are other characteristics identified by one or more contributors. They are (in alphabetical order and separated by spaces):

Academic Aloof Amiable Analytical Articulate Bashful Blessed Brilliant Capable Caring Charismatic Compassionate Complex Conflict-adverse Creative Dedicated Detail-oriented Devout Dreamer Emotional Encouraging Enthusiastic Faithful Focused Friendly Fun Generous Genuine Good High- intensity High-strung Highly-organized Honest Hospitable Humorous Humble Impactful Impressive Inclusive Influential Innovative Insightful Intelligent Intense Introvert Intuitive Inviting Kind Knowledgeable Leader Learner Listener Literate Liturgist Loving Mature Mild-mannered Multifaceted Open Open-minded Outgoing Outspoken Passionate Pastoral Patient Pensive Personable Philosophical Progressive Quiet Realistic Reflective Relate-able Respected Restrained Reverent Self-critical Sensitive Serious Servant Sharing Shy Smart Soft-spoken Stoic Successful Supportive Sweet Talented-writer Teacher Theologian Thorough Thoughtful Trusting Unassuming Uptight Visionary Warm Well-grounded Well-spoken Wise Witty Wonderful Workaholic.

Lewinski's humble nature, even the part of his personality that quietly sought approval and relished recognition, would probably shrink when faced with such a descriptive list. I expect that no one who knew Lewinski would assert that they observed all of these attributes. Yet each of the contributors identified one or more of them. Thus the conundrum within the question “Who Was Ron Lewinski?”

For me, the question cannot be answered by a list of characteristics like this. Rather, I think Lewinski - like any of us – is better described by his actions and impact. There are several examples in the remembrances of what Lewinski did, what he said, what impact he had on people. In fact, one story tells of his apparent inaction that helped save a boy’s life. The remembrances address the question of who Lewinski was based on relationships. They recall his actions and his impact.

On the back of the book, above the photo of Lewinski (copyright and courtesy of Liturgy Training Publications), I placed a brief quote. The passage is from Hebrews 3:13. “Encourage each other daily, while it is still today.” That is what I perceive Lewinski doing when I read the remembrances. While the passage is about avoiding sin, it is also about helping each other in a timely manner. Many contributors observed that Lewinski sought to help people grow themselves and their relationships. He showed that our focus shouldn’t be on just the here and now, but also on something beyond and in the future. He saw himself as a representative of his parishioners to the hierarchy in the church; but he also showed that he represented the larger church to his local community.  

After reading the book, you will know more about Ron Lewinski. But, as I note in my Introduction, contributors share some insights that aren’t solely about Ron Lewinski, just as this book isn’t only about Ron Lewinski. Next time, I’ll share a little more about the contributors. Until then, wishing you worthy actions with a welcome impact.

Send me your comments/questions.

READ MORE ABOUT 'REMEMBERING RON LEWINSKI'

ORDER THE BOOK