05/31/2026
Carl HĂ©tu, First CNEWA National Director in Canada, Dies at 66
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Carl HĂ©tu on May 26. Many of you knew Carl personally or came to know CNEWA Canada through his faithful leadership and witness. As the founding National Director of CNEWA Canada, Carl devoted nearly two decades of his life to building bridges between Canadian donors and the suffering churches and peoples of the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe.
Carl was a true fighter – a man of profound faith, humility and courage. He spearheaded CNEWA’s mission in Canada with tireless dedication and gave so much of his life striving to be the Lord’s hands and feet in the world. Through more than 30 mission journeys to places marked by war, poverty and displacement, Carl carried the suffering of others in his heart and worked ceaselessly to bring hope, dignity and peace to those most in need. He often spoke of the extraordinary generosity and compassion of Canadians, and he remained deeply grateful for the prayers and support of our donor family. Thanks to your faithful partnership throughout his years of leadership, countless lives were touched through the work of the Eastern churches and CNEWA’s humanitarian mission.
Carl once reflected that what moved him most was witnessing courage, resilience, sacrifice and strong faith among the people he encountered through CNEWA’s work. Those same qualities defined his own life and service.
At this difficult time, we ask you to please keep Carl and his loved ones in your prayers. We also wish to thank you sincerely for the support, trust and generosity you shared during his years with CNEWA Canada. Your compassion helped sustain a mission that was deeply close to his heart.
May the Lord grant Carl eternal rest and reward him for his faithful and selfless service.
Picture: Carl HĂ©tu, (former) National Director of CNEWA Canada. Right, Pope Francis. (Photo courtesy of Msgr. John E. Kozar, 2021)
