Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 29: Fr Vincent F Monteiro (71), former parish priest of Bendur parish, passed away at St Juze Vaz Home, Jeppu on Friday August 29. He was widely known for his religious zeal, community leadership, and pioneering contributions to several new initiatives in the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM).

Born in Angelore parish to Raymond and Christine Monteiro, Fr Vincent was ordained a priest in 1981. During his four decades of priestly ministry, he served in various capacities with remarkable dedication and commitment. He began his ministry as assistant parish priest at Kirem and later as assistant director of St Antony’s Charity Home. He went on to serve as director of ICYM/YCS/YSM in the Mangalore diocese, and later contributed at the regional and national levels as collaborator, regional director, and national director of YCS/YSM India.

Fr Monteiro also served as parish priest of Pangla, director of the Pastoral Institute, Asian chaplain of YCS Asia, parish priest of Kinnigoli, and finally as parish priest of Bendur. He was spending his retired life at St Juze Vaz Home. Wherever he served, he was remembered as a visionary leader who guided both youth and clergy, and as a pastor who nurtured vocations while bringing new energy to pastoral and youth apostolate.

Fr Monteiro’s funeral Mass and burial rites will take place on Sunday, August 31 at 4 pm in St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia.

Watch Fr Vincent Monteiro on 'Hello Father':