A Life of Faith, Service and Excellence: Farewell to Carver Sir
With faith, gratitude and Christian hope, the Catholic community of Chandigarh and the surrounding areas gathered to bid a solemn farewell to Mr. Harold Anthony Carver, fondly remembered as “Carver Sir.”
The Funeral Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh, and concelebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Archbishop of Faridabad Archdiocese, together with around 55 priests, 100 religious sisters and 1,000 lay faithful.
Born on 8 August 1946 in Bangalore to the late Mr. Leslie Gordon Carver and the late Mrs. Molly Carver, Harold was the sixth of thirteen siblings. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he was nurtured in faith, discipline, integrity and service.
His vocation as an educationist began at St. Joseph’s, Allahabad, and continued at St. John’s School, Chandigarh, which he joined in 1968. In April 1982, he founded St. Stephen’s School, with campuses at Sector 45, Chandigarh, and Togan, New Chandigarh. From a humble beginning with only a handful of students, the institution grew through his vision, sacrifice and perseverance into a leading educational institution.
His motto, Semper Sursum – Always Aim Higher, and his words, “Never give up, try again,” reflected his commitment to excellence and character formation. Generations remember him as a teacher, mentor, guide and friend. His contribution to education was recognised with the National Award to Teachers/Principals 2007, presented by the President of India in 2008.
His Catholic faith found expression in devoted service to the Church and humanity. He served the Catholic Church Choir, supported ecclesial and charitable initiatives, and contributed generously to the Diocese. His enduring gift of Our Lady of Miracles Church remains a testimony to his faith and generosity. He also contributed to the renovation and development of the Christian cemetery in Sector 25, Chandigarh.
His compassion embraced people of every faith and background. He reached out to those affected by calamities and hardship and was known for his personal care and generosity towards those in need.
A deeply moving moment of the Funeral Mass was the presentation of the Papal Bene Merenti Medal, conferred by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in recognition of Mr. Carver’s devoted service to the Christian cause. Bishop Sahaya Thatheus Thomas reverently placed the medal upon his mortal remains.
An Appreciation Award was also presented to the family and received by Mrs. Diana and her family.
In his homily, Bishop Sahaya reflected on Mr. Carver’s journey of faith, education and service, praying that the merciful Lord would grant His faithful servant eternal rest and the reward of everlasting life.
At the conclusion of the Funeral Mass, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara paid a heartfelt tribute, recalling Mr. Carver’s life and service with gratitude. Mr. Trevour also paid tribute on behalf of the Diocese, expressing the Church’s appreciation for his generous contribution and enduring Christian witness.
Mr. Carver’s legacy will live on in the students he inspired, the people he served, the values he imparted and the House of God he helped establish. As the Church commends his soul to the mercy of God, we do so with sorrow, gratitude and firm hope in the Resurrection.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.”
May Mr. Harold Anthony Carver rest in the peace of Christ. May perpetual light shine upon him, and may his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Follow the link below to watch on YouTube:
Loving Memory of Harold Carver / Funeral/Venue Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Togan, New Chandigarh
Rev. Fr. John Maria Vianney
Director, Diocesan Pastoral Centre
Recent News
64th Regional Catholic Council of the North Held in Jammu: Marking the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi
Sep 26-27, 2026
Strengthening Social Ministry: Manav Vikas Samiti Participates in SSDNR Capacity Building Workshop, Delhi
Sep 22-23, 2026
Building Communities of Faith: BEC Renewal at Infant Jesus Church, Mohali
Sep 24, 2026