Sister Mary Amadeus Lewicka

Mother Mary Amadeus Lewicka led the Immaculate Conception Province from 1970 to 1976, against the backdrop of Vatican II.  The great renewal ushered into the Church also brought turmoil – as many fundamental aspects of sisters’ lives underwent change, including liturgical life, governance structures, and religious garb. Many sisters experienced stress over an uncertain future, or left religious life.

But Mother Amadeus, known for her effervescent smile and compassionate heart, built channels of communication and avenues of discussion. She organized the province into regions so that more sisters could talk directly with administrators. Committees were formed to provide broader participation in community governance.

Her mantra, “Let go and let God,” guided the sisters through this period. 

The sisters’ spiritual lives were bolstered with retreats, workshops, and private counseling. She established a house of prayer in Washington, New Jersey known as Holy House, U.S.A., a place to deepen one’s relationship with God.
 
Mother Amadeus directed the adaptation of ministries to changing times. She closed provincial orphanages and opened ministries such as the Felician School for Exceptional Children to educate children with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities.

For two terms from 1976 to 1988, Mother Amadeus served as minister general. The change in title from superior general was an outcome of Vatican II that reflected Felician Franciscan roots.
 
Through tumultuous times, Mother Amadeus shepherded the province to a joyous future with 530 professed sisters at the end of her tenure.