HONG KONG (SE): The faithful in Hong Kong and the Guadalupe Missioners mourn the passing of Father Sergio Arturo Chavira Alvarez, mg, who returned to the Lord on August 2 in Mexico, aged 75.
Born in Chihuahua, northern Mexico, in 1951, Father Chavira was raised in a Catholic family with five children. He attended Jesuit primary and secondary schools, drawing early inspiration from saints such as Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier. Before answering his religious vocation, he built a distinguished career as a civil engineer.
His life took a pivotal turn during a tour of Asia in 1985, when he visited St Teresa of Calcutta in India. Touched by her compassion, he asked how he could assist her mission. Looking straight into his eyes, Mother Teresa told him he should be working with them—a moment Father Chavira felt was God calling him to the priesthood.
His path to ordination was marked by deep perseverance. Entering seminary in Tijuana at the age of 38, he was asked to leave two-and-a-half years later as his superiors felt it was too difficult for him to adapt at his age.
Comforting him, Mother Teresa, who visited the seminary, assured him: “The Holy Spirit will guide you to another port. You will be happy, and you will find peace.” Her words proved prophetic. He joined the Guadalupe Missioners, completed his theology studies in Mexico City, and was ordained on 19 July 1997, at the age of 46.
Assigned to Hong Kong shortly after his ordination, Father Chavira faithfully served the local Church for over 25 years. Learning Cantonese was a formidable challenge, but he approached it with warmth and humour. During an interview on his silver jubilee, he recalled praying: “Jesus, I love you, but Cantonese does not seem to love me.”
Following his arrival, Father Chavira served at Star of the Sea Parish in Chai Wan while learning Cantonese, later ministering in Sheung Shui, Tai Wai, San Po Kong, and Tsim Sha Tsui. He later became assistant parish priest at Annunciation Church, Tsuen Wan until August 2016, when he transferred to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Kennedy Town. He concluded his Hong Kong ministry at Holy Cross Church in Shau Kei Wan.
Known for his humility and commitment to the marginalised, Father Chavira actively supported pandemic relief efforts, such as the “Manna Movement” at Holy Cross Church, which provided essential support to unemployed workers and vulnerable families.
In August 2023, declining health saw him returning to Mexico for care and rest, leaving behind a lasting legacy of gentle pastoral care, profound charity, and missionary zeal.
Father Chavira’s family in Mexico expressed gratitude to all who accompanied him during his sickness in Hong Kong and followed up on his condition in Mexico.
