Br. Lewis Harwood, FSC, has been “on loan” to De La Salle Collegiate since January 2024, working with Campus Ministry and taking Theology courses through Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He was not in the classroom as he was in the United States on a student visa. 

But the Australian native, part of the Australia - New Zealand - Pakistan - Papua New Guinea (ANZPPNG) province of the Christian Brothers, will be heading to New Zealand later this summer, on assignment to De La Salle College, a high school in Auckland,working as a Theology teacher and providing academic support. 

“The experience of working and connecting with the Brothers and the DENA District has been an absolute thrill!” Brother Lewis said. “The opportunity to engage and support the students and their families, and especially helping to strengthen the Catholic and Lasallian culture has been a significant priority - I have seen my role over the past 15 months of providing ‘a positive presence’ and encouraging students to see their potential and be aware of God’s presence in their lives!”

He added,”I feel I was able to integrate a global perspective into my day-to-day interactions with the students and teaching faculty. For me being a Brother means especially walking with and supporting students on the fringes and edges - academically, spiritually, and emotionally - those who struggle in the classroom and school in general! I pray for the school and students everyday and try to encounter and promote the presence of Jesus in all these joys and challenges.”

Br. Lewis became friends with current Principal Br. Ken Kalinowski, FSC several years ago. 

“It has been a blessing for my friend and Brother - to be here at DeLaSalle Collegiate,” Brother Ken said. “We have been friends for nearly 16 years and have traveled in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the USA - and when you travel with someone so closely you realize that you are really good friends with them. 

“Brother Lewis and I studied together in Napa, CA - and at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, which was great - we were able to bounce questions off each other and discuss topics.

“At De La Salle, Brother Lewis not only added to community life in our House, but truly made an impact in the school - whether it was with retreats, the rosary, or his countless discussions with the boys and faculty in the school. Realizing that he is needed in New Zealand is not a surprise, but we were praying that we would have him here in our school for at least another year or two.

“Brother Lewis has been nothing more than a gift to all of us here, I know that he has enjoyed being in Detroit, and I pray that he will be able to visit with us during his semester holidays at Christmas. We are called to be Brothers without Borders, and both he and I have served the Order in various capacities around the world.”

Sr Kathleen Matz, CDP, DLS Campus Minister, shared that “Brother Lewis has been a delight and an inspiration. His input for faculty and student retreats have been extremely valuable. He exhibits a wonderful passion for life, whether he is leading a Bible study or trying to win at chess when challenged by a student. He cheerfully gives 100%! We will surely miss him!”