Dilwyn John David Lewis

Monsignor Dilwyn John David Lewis (born April 28, 1924 in Bridgend , Wales ; † July 10, 2000 ) was a British fashion designer who became a Roman Catholic priest and who later oversaw the restoration of the historic Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome .

biography

Growing up in an orphanage in Bridgend's hometown, Lewis studied for the priesthood in the Church of England at Kelham College but instead became a clothing salesman before embarking on a successful career as a freelance fashion designer in London . Cardinal Montini, the future Pope Paul VI. suggested that Lewis in 1960 joined the priesthood, but only in 1974 Lewis was in the cathedral of Arundel ordained . When Lewis met Pope John Paul II on arrival at Gatwick Airport in 1982 , where Lewis was chaplain , he caught the attention of Archbishop Bruno Bernhard Heim and Cardinal Basil Hume , who made him a member of the Cathedral Chapter of the Basilica of Santa Maria in 1984 Maggiore in Rome.

Under Cardinal Luigi Dadaglio , archpriest of the basilica, Lewis was appointed vicar capitular by John Paul II and was responsible for the administration and restoration of the basilica, which was in a disturbingly poor structural condition. The Italian authorities threatened to close the 1,600-year-old basilica due to fire and security risks. In addition, there was a risk of financial ruin after years of mismanagement. Lewis raised money to finance the extensive repairs.

In addition to helping with the restoration, Lewis organized musical performances and special events in the basilica and coordinated collaborations with the Church of England.

In 1998 he convinced the Vatican to loan the yellow silk robe of St. Thomas Becket for an exhibition at Canterbury Cathedral .

Web links

personal data
SURNAME	Lewis, Dilwyn John David
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	British fashion designer and Roman Catholic priest
DATE OF BIRTH	April 28, 1924
PLACE OF BIRTH	Bridgend , Wales
DATE OF DEATH	July 10, 2000