Bidding adieu to Carl Hétu

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Carl Hétu, whose devoted leadership as Executive Director of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada left a profound and lasting mark both at home and abroad…. Through his tireless efforts, countless lives were uplifted, and the bonds between communities were strengthened in meaningful and enduring ways.”
― His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Carl Hétu…. Carl knew how to mobilize us to deepen our international solidarity with our brothers and sisters struggling against poverty and with our partners working on various projects in the Global South…. We have learned much from the love for the impoverished and the concern for social justice that animated Carl in his commitments. We can be grateful for this legacy of the heart that he leaves us.”
― Most Rev. Pierre Goudreault, President, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

“Throughout his life, Mr. Hétu demonstrated a remarkable commitment to justice, solidarity and the Church’s social mission. His generous leadership, deep faith and dedication to the most vulnerable have left a lasting mark on Development and Peace – Caritas Canada and on the Church as a whole in Canada…. I always appreciated his calm demeanour, his ability to analyse situations and to discern constructive and hopeful paths forward…. May the Lord welcome him into His peace and light, and grant comfort and courage to all those who mourn him.”
― Most Rev. Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal

“Mr. Hétu’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity have left a meaningful impact on many people and communities. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all members of Development and Peace. May he rest in peace, and may his memory remain a source of inspiration to all who knew him and worked alongside him.”
― Anton Asfar, Secretary General, Caritas Jerusalem

“We are grateful for all the support Mr. Carl Hétu has given to CELAM… through which he has made a decisive contribution to strengthening ecclesial networks in the region in support of justice, peace and the integrity of creation, causes to which Mr Hétu has devoted himself tirelessly…. We raise our prayers to the Creator for the eternal rest of Carl Hétu and we will keep him in our thoughts during today’s Eucharist.”
― His Excellency Jaime Cardinal Spengler, President; and the Most Rev. Lizardo Estrada Herrera, Secretary General, Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM)

“A man of great humanity, he was a long-standing partner of the Ministry of International Relations and the Francophonie. His human, inspiring and collaborative approach created the conditions and resources necessary for the communities and individuals with whom he worked to fulfill their potential. Through his unifying leadership, his dedication and his deep convictions, Mr. Hétu was truly an exceptional partner within the Québec Without Borders programme. He will remain an example of commitment within Québec’s international solidarity community.”
― Alain Olivier, Director of the Francophonie and International Solidarity, Québec Ministry of International Relations and the Francophonie

“Carl Hétu devoted his life to the service of justice, peace, and human dignity…. Those of us who serve in the Middle East are especially grateful for his longstanding concern for this region and for the solidarity he showed towards its peoples and Churches…. We are equally inspired by the courage, faith, and perseverance with which he faced illness during the final years of his life. Even amid suffering, he remained committed to the mission entrusted to him, offering a powerful witness of hope, fidelity, and service…. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and reward him for the generous service he offered throughout his life. May He also comfort all who grieve his passing and strengthen you in continuing the mission to which Carl dedicated himself with such conviction and generosity.”
― Fr. Petru Vârgă, Director, Caritas Türkiye

“We would like to express our deepest solidarity to all of you, knowing how respected Carl was and how important his presence and leadership were for your organization, for the Canadian Church, and for the many countries and communities that he visited and supported through his work. Fr. Dario Bossi had the opportunity to meet Carl personally during a gathering in Montreal and was deeply impressed by his energy, commitment, and passion for life. Please count on our prayers and our continued collaboration in grateful memory of Carl.”
― Operational Team, Red Iglesias y Minería (Churches and Mining Network)

“We are well aware of the void left by Mr. Carl Hétu within the organization…. He devoted much of his life to Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada, our partner wholly dedicated to the cause of the Haitian people…. The Institute of Technology and Animation (ITECA) pays tribute to the work accomplished and the legacy left by Mr. Hétu.”
― Chenet Jean-Baptiste, Executive Director, ITECA

“Carl’s lifelong commitment to social justice and peace inspired all of us at ORCIE. His vision and collaborative approach strengthened the entire movement for global solidarity. He leaves behind an important legacy – his strategic advocacy, commitment to dialogue and unwavering dedication to empowering the most marginalized will continue to guide our work for the common good. As Carl enters the communion of saints, we say with one voice: ¡Presente! May his legacy of courage and leadership live on and inspire each of us.”
― Sue Wilson, Co-chair, Office of Religious Congregations for Integral Ecology (ORCIE)

“Carl Hétu was a leading figure in the movement and in our Caritas Internationalis network. His long-standing commitment to a just and fraternal world has been a source of inspiration for us all…. We will keep Carl Hétu in our prayers, in the hope that his commitment will continue to live on through each and every one of us.”
― Benoît-Xavier Loridon, Director of International Action and Advocacy, and Mickaël Testa, Head of International Emergencies, Secours Catholique-Caritas France

“My sincere sympathy and prayers on the passing of Carl. I shall offer a mass… and my prayers and condolences to his family. His work and legacy will live, and only inspire others to work for justice and peace.”
― Rev. Patrick O’Dea, Pastor, St. Edward the Confessor Parish, North York, Ont.

“What a tremendously beautiful human being. While I have never had the privilege of meeting our brother in person, yet my heart grieves with his family and the family of Development and Peace Caritas Canada…. Rest in Peace, dear brother-in-Christ.”
― Bertilla Rodriguez, member, DPCC

“Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Carl Hétu… Our faith tells us that he has just crossed over to his eternal home with God, our Father. We are therefore assured that he will continue his mission in a different way. He can certainly intercede for us. May our sorrow be turned into joy and hope, for God is not forgetful. Take heart: his work will continue through the commitment of those who believe in the mission of Development and Peace.”
― The Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Rimouski

“As a member of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada, I was always inspired by Carl’s words, actions, and attitudes towards Social Justice, deep service to the most vulnerable in the Global South and even our surroundings. I join, most heartily, in the sorrow of our loss, but also rejoice in Carl’s eternal Peace and Love, by the merit of Jesus Christ.”
― Carmen Hurtubise, DPCC diocesan council for Ottawa-Cornwall