Celebrating Fr. Hedwig Lewis SJ: A Very Extraordinary Person at 80

Ahmedabad, 9 October, 2025: Jesuit priest Fr. Hedwig Lewis, marking his 80th year on 10 October, embodies extraordinary resilience and inspiration, as highlighted by Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ in a tribute marking the release of his 46th book, Being Extraordinarily Ordinary .

Diagnosed with Meige syndrome in 1995, a rare neurological condition causing uncontrollable spasms, Fr. Hedwig transformed this challenge into a testament of faith. 

Despite his disability, he led St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, to new heights as Principal until 1995 and has since authored influential works like Body Language (an international bestseller with over 20,000 copies sold) and Happiness Manufacturers. 

His latest book offers 30 strategies for wholesome living, urging readers to embrace vulnerability and pursue higher values, a reflection of his life’s motto, “Abundant Living, Joyful Giving” (John 10:10).

Fr. Hedwig says, “I draw inspiration from the ‘Smiling Christ on the Cross’… My books are my pulpits, my articles – messengers of the Good News.” 

The parish community celebrates his humility, determination, and generosity—qualities acronymed as HEDWIG:

 H: Humility : the ability to ask and to be cheerfully dependent on others

 E: Exemplary : it has not been easy going but he has reached out to many all over

 D: Determination : to transcend his physical disability and make himself useful 

 W: Wise : as reflected in his many books where he writes “words of wisdom” 

 I: Inclusive : he has a whole range of friends and admirers, from every walk of life

 G: Generous : as he lives the Ignatian axiom ‘to give and not to count the cost’!

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ

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