Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Fr. Syl Lewans will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, February 18, 2022, at St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK. The Service will be live streamed and can be accessed by the link at www.stphilipneriparish.ca.Interment will take place at the Oblate Cemetery in Battleford SK when it is safe to do so.
Fr. Syl Lewans was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 29, 1958.
He began his ministry as a teacher at St. Thomas College in North Battleford. After he completed his degree in counselling, he became the guidance counsellor at the school as well.
Fr. Syl is remembered as a dynamic individual, developing a work education program for students. He was also a driving force behind the sports programs at the college, particularly the successful Imperials hockey team. Fr. Syl continued to play hockey himself well on in his life.
In 1978, Lewans was appointed Provincial Superior of St. Mary’s Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Saskatchewan for a six-year term.
In 2005, he was assigned to the Oblate Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois, USA, as team member leading young men as they explored their vocations. Lewans also provided leadership in the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate, as sacramental minister at Guadalupe House in Saskatoon, and finally, as director of Mazenod Residence in Saskatoon. Lewans was committed to community and believed that his life was best lived in relationship. He modelled this in service and ministry within the Oblate congregation and the Church.
When Mazenod Residence closed in 2014, Lewans and his brother Oblates moved into Trinity Manor at Stonebridge in Saskatoon. He then moved to Central Haven Care home, and in 2018, moved to Samaritan Place, Saskatoon. During his time at Samaritan Place, Lewans experienced the great devotion and love of his sister, Sr. Anne Lewans, OSU, fellow Oblate, Br. Walter De Mong, OMI, and his dear friend, Bonnie Roberts.
In his family, Fr. Syl Lewans had what is described as a “gathering charism.” He was the first to remind family when it was time for a reunion, and his nurturing presence as an ordained priest was very special in his family. At family gatherings, the celebration of the Eucharist was a high point, with his homilies being particularly down to earth and inspiring to all. He presided at most of the weddings among his 43 nieces and nephews.Lewans was generous with hospitality in his religious community as well. Along with his confrere, Br. Walter De Mong, they hosted many summer gatherings for community members and guests at the Oblate property at Lac des Iles. It was an on-going summer ministry of hospitality for them, and the Sunday liturgies are remembered as overflowing with guests, some arriving in boats for the celebrations.
Fr. Syl Lewans is survived by members of his religious community, The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, OMI Lacombe Province and his siblings Paul (Angele), Sr. Anne, Lucille (Gordon – deceased) Rezac, Ben (Karen), Philip (Linda), Raymond, and Daniel (Pauline), 43 nieces and nephews, and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Peter, and his siblings Dolores (Joe) Ruschkowski, George, Theresa (Lloyd) Drake, and Lillian (Grant) Moreton.
The funeral for Fr. Syl will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK. The Service will be live streamed and can be accessed by the link at www.stphilipneriparish.ca. Due to COVID, the interment will take place at the Oblate Cemetery in Battleford SK when it is safe to do so. (Arrangements are entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.)