Fr Henry Alva elected vicar provincial for Capuchins of Central Canada

Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada

Canada, Jun 14: Renowned Mangalore-born preacher Fr Henry Alva OFM Cap has been elected as the vicar provincial for the Capuchin Province of Central Canada. Fr Henry Alva is the 8th child born to Camil and the late Juan Alva from Pamboor parish in the diocese of Udupi, Karnataka. He is the brother of Vincy Pamboor and Donald Alva, Canada.

Fr Henry Alva was a student of St Aloysius College, Mangalore. He 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, Bangalore for six years.

Fr Henry Alva, residing in Canada for the past six years celebrated his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee recently. He is well known for his dedicated spiritual services for Capuchins, various parishes, 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 he teaches counselling in the “Toronto Institute of Pastoral Counselling Education”.

Fr Henry Alva became the first priest to preach Lenten Retreat in Konkani organized by the Managalorean Association of Canada during the season of lent three 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 very special. He is truly a great gift for youth in Canada who always guides them to a right path based on gospel values.