Archdiocesan Honors for Saint Martha Parish Parishioner

When the Archdiocese of Boston commemorated its 200th Anniversary in 2008, Cardinal O’Malley instituted the ‘Cheverus Medal’ to honor individuals who had offered extraordinary service to their parish and the Church over a sustained period of years. The medal is named for Bishop John Lefebvre Cheverus who became the first bishop of Boston when Boston was established as a diocese in 1808. Each parish of the Archdiocese can nominate a recipient of the Cheverus Medal every three years. Saint Martha Parish nominated a worthy recipient this year and received word that Stanley F. Lewicki, Jr. will receive the ‘Cheverus Medal’ from Cardinal Sean O’Malley on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Stan Lewicki is a life-long parishioner of Saint Martha Parish as his family was numbered among the founding families of Saint Martha Parish when it was established in 1953. The Lewicki Family has been one of the most loyal and generous families in Saint Martha Parish family over the past sixty-three years of its history. Stan’s parents, Stanley F. and Eleanor (Mahoney) Lewicki raised their family of twelve children in Plainville. The whole family has been actively engaged in the life of Saint Martha Parish over the span of four generations.

The ‘Cheverus Medal’ is a silver medallion that displays on the front the image of Bishop Cheverus as depicted in a portrait painted by noted Boston portrait artist, Gilbert Stuart. The reverse side of the medallion displays the coat-of-arms of Bishop Cheverus who served as the first bishop of Boston from 1808-1824 until he reluctantly left Boston and returned to France at the request of the king to assume responsibility for a restored diocese in France following the dissolution of the dioceses during the French Revolution. Bishop Cheverus eventually was named Cardinal Archbishop of Bordeaux and was entombed in the Cathedral of Bordeux following his death in 1836.

Father Joseph Mozer, Pastor of Saint Martha Parish submitted these words of recommendation to Cardinal O’Malley for the nomination of Stan Lewicki as a worthy recipient of the Cheverus Medal. Like his father before him, Stan and his family have continuously plowed the parish parking lot and driveways keeping the Church accessible following snowstorms – a tradition that dates back to the founding of the parish 63 years ago. With his excavation and construction experience, he has been an invaluable resource to each pastor over the years in assessing issues with the property. Even more importantly, Stan’s deep faith and quiet, unassuming personality belies the extent of his commitment to St. Martha and the Church. In addition, he actively supported his wife Irene in her role as Parish Secretary until cancer took her from him and us last December. In recognizing Stanley Jr., the eldest of twelve siblings, this Cheverus award would by extension also honor the many contributions to St. Martha parish life offered by many other members of the Lewicki family.

Certainly, Stan’s Dad, Stanley F. Lewicki, Sr. and his wife, Irene (Gromulski) Lewicki will be smiling down proudly as Stan and the entire Lewicki Family is honored for their devotion to Saint Martha Parish, Plainville by the presentation of the ‘Cheverus Medal’ to Stan at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston on this Sunday, December 4th. Stan’s beloved mother, Eleanor (Mahoney) Lewicki is one of the revered senior parishioners of Saint Martha Parish and certainly takes characteristic, quiet pride in this honor accorded her son and her family.

Cardinal O’Malley extends his appreciation to all the loyal, committed parishioners of Saint Martha Parish in this recognition of Stan Lewicki. This is a prayer service to be held at 3:00 pm at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, all are welcome to attend.