Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
Father Michael Lewis of the Stella Maris Church. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
A LONE security guard sat in the passage that leads to the chapel at the Stella Maris Church in Shortwood, St. Andrew. At that very spot one month earlier, the screams of Velma Mais shattered the tranquility of the compound when she was attacked, then killed, by a robber.
The 63-year-old Mrs. Mais was a stalwart member of the church. She died at hospital from what police described as multiple stab wounds.
Sitting in his spacious office just a few yards away from where the murder took place, Father Michael Lewis, rector at the Catholic church, says he would have witnessed the incident had he been there. Although the church has beefed-up security, Father Lewis says members and parents whose children attend the neighbouring Stella Maris Prep School, have not fully recovered from the tragedy of March 8.
PEOPLE ARE SCARED
"Everybody was scared, not just middle-class members but people who live in Grant's Pen who attend this church," Father Lewis told The Gleaner last week. "People are scared, people are angry because this happened to one of our own and it happened in our own yard," he added. "This is a church where there are no restrictions."
The Velma Mais murder was shocking, even in a country that experienced a record number of homicides (1,671) in 2005. Although the Constant Spring Police have questioned several suspects, no one has been charged for her death.
Father Lewis, who has been rector at the church for just over two years, says the tragedy influenced the Stella Maris Church to stage two community meetings. These gatherings involved residents from adjoining communities like Grant's Pen, Barbican and Constant Spring.
He says Christians from crime-ridden areas also attended the meetings, not only to give spiritual support but share the experience of living in troubled communities.
MORE EFFECTIVE MINISTRY
"We invited persons from August Town, Rema (Wilton Gardens) and Seaview Gardens to come and give us some ideas as to how they have been working and some of the programmes they have been working on," Father Lewis explained. "We wanted to see if we can borrow some of those ideas and make our ministry and work more effective."
Leading the flock at Stella Maris is Father Lewis' fourth assignment since he was ordained a priest 13 years ago. Previously, he was posted at St. Pious X Church at Olympic Way, St. Peter Claver on Waltham Park Road and Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street, Kingston.
Not even he, a priest, is exempt from violence.
"I've seen the worst of the worst," he said. "I've been held up, I've been put to lie on the ground with a shotgun to the back of my head on more than one occasion."
He did not disclose when or where these incidents took place but said they have made him even more committed to his faith.
"In all of this we need to remember that we are Christians and no matter what happens we have a witness to give, and in the face of violence what we do not do is run," he said.
Father Lewis says religion has always been a big part of his life. The last of seven children, he grew up in east Kingston with parents and siblings who were devout Christians.
He attended St. George's College then studied for the priesthood at the St. Michael's Seminary in St. Andrew and Catholic University of America in Washington DC.
Restoring the faith of some parishioners in the aftermath of Velma Mais" death is, arguably, Father Michael Lewis' toughest assignment to date.
Members of the Stella Maris Foundation, which does charity work in Grant's Pen, has met several times to discuss ways of extending their presence in impoverished communities.
"It's a good community with very well-meaning, generous people," he said.
"Ministry here has its challenges just like anywhere else, but they are good people here and I'm enjoying it here."
