Fr. John Alwyn Dias Appointed Provincial Minister of St. Fidelis Province, North India

Mangalore, April 25, 2026: In a significant leadership appointment announced on April 24, Fr. John Alwyn Dias, OFM Cap., has been named the new Provincial Minister of St. Fidelis Province, North India. The appointment was made by the General Minister of the Capuchin Order in Rome, and he is set to assume office on May 1, 2026.

Fr. John Alwyn will take on the pastoral responsibility of a vast mission territory that includes Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, marking a new phase of leadership for the Province.

A native of St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Paladka, Fr. John Alwyn brings considerable administrative and pastoral experience to the role. He previously served as the Provincial Superior of the Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka-Goa from 2019 to 2025. His tenure reflected a strong commitment to the Capuchin charism and prepared him for broader responsibilities within the Order.

Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the spirit of leadership is rooted in faith and discernment: “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23).

The Church underscores that authority is exercised as service. As affirmed by the Second Vatican Council, leaders are called to guide “by counsel, persuasion, and example, but also by authority and sacred power” (Lumen Gentium 27). In keeping with the vision of St. Francis, Fr. John Alwyn’s leadership is expected to reflect fraternity and humility. St. Francis emphasised this spirit, saying: “Let there be no brother who has power or be over others… It shall not be so among you” (Earlier Rule, Ch. 5).

The faithful have been invited to uphold him in prayer as he undertakes this mission. Invoking biblical inspiration, the hope remains that he will be guided by “the wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 3:9), the zeal of St. Paul (2 Cor 11:28), and the humility of St. Francis.”

As he prepares to lead the friars and serve communities across North India, the assurance of Scripture resonates: “The one who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). May St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, patron of the Province, intercede for his ministry.

By Catholic Connect Reporter