Gerry D’Mello

Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto

Toronto, May 28: Mangaluru born dynamic Catholic priest personality and renowned preacher Fr Henry Alva OFM Cap, was re-elected as the provincial of the Franciscan Capuchins of ‘Mary Mother of Good Shepherd’ province, in the region English speaking Canada on May 24 for another term of three years.

Fr Henry Alva is the 8th child born to the late Camil and Juan Alva from Pamboor parish in the diocese of Udupi, Karnataka, India. It is a great joy for the Alva family to have one of its sons to have as provincial of Capuchins in Canada and have daughter Sr Anita Alva who has also elected as the provincial of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate in Siliguri in North India for the fourth time. In addition, Fr Henry is the brother of famed Konkani personalities like Dr Vincent Alva, the principal of Milagres College, Kalyanpur, Udupi diocese, India and Donald Alva, the principal of a Catholic School in Toronto, Canada.

Fr Henry Alva, a student at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, completed his formation for priesthood with the Capuchins and was ordained in 1987. He served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea for 12 years and as the rector of ‘Deena Seva Ashram’, Institute of Philosophy, Bengaluru for six years.

Fr Henry Alva has been residing in Canada for the past twelve years. He is well known for his dedicated spiritual services for Capuchins, various parishes and prayer groups and especially for the Konkani community in Canada. By profession, he is a counsellor. He is an experienced family and marriage therapist and helps many families. He is also a very good teacher and teaches counselling at ‘Toronto Institute of Pastoral Counselling Education’.

Fr Henry Alva became the first priest who preached Lenten retreat in Konkani organised by Mangalorean Association of Canada during the Holy season on Lent nine years ago. He is a very popular personality in Canada not only amongst communities of Indian origin but also with faithful of different nationalities. His loveable nature and inspiring homilies makes him extra-special. He is truly a great gift for youth in Canada who always guides them to a right path based on gospel values.