Tribute to Rev. Fr. Vincent Monteiro
-Prof. P. Archibald Furtado
With deep sorrow yet with gratitude, we remember Rev. Fr. Vincent Monteiro — a rare servant of God and friend of the youth.
As the Diocesan Director of the Catholic Youth Movement, Fr. Vincent gave his very best years to empower young people. Under his able leadership, every parish in the Diocese of Mangalore was blessed with a vibrant youth platform. His tireless efforts bore fruit in the form of Amcho Yuvak, which he envisioned not just as a newsletter, but as the powerful voice of the youth — their needs, their recognition, their growth, and their welfare. He truly believed that the future of the Church lay in the hands of young people, and he did everything possible to nurture them.
We in Barkur remember him with special affection. Our parish, small in size but steeped in history, was privileged to celebrate its Decennial in December 1986 with grandeur across three consecutive days — the 12th, 13th, and 14th. At a time when Barkur had no assistant parish priest, it was Fr. Vincent who stepped in, dedicating his presence, his time, and his guidance. He was here, personally overseeing the arrangements, motivating our youth, and ensuring that the celebration became a record in itself. His encouragement gave us confidence and his simplicity made him approachable to everyone.
Beyond Barkur too, his ministry bore lasting fruit. I vividly recall meeting him at St. Sebastian Church, Bendur, where his magnetic personality, warm hospitality, and priestly compassion shone through. Astonishingly re recalled SPA Mumbai, (St Peter’ Association, Barkur – Mumbai); a he had phenomenal memories…. Wherever he went, Fr. Vincent carried the fragrance of Christ and left behind memories of kindness, encouragement, and hope.
In the last few months, though his health was frail, Fr. Vincent bore his suffering with remarkable courage and serenity. Knowing his earthly days were numbered, he never allowed pain to dim the light of his spirit. With a smile on his face and gentleness in his words, he continued to inspire until the very end.
Fr. Vincent was truly a man of God and a man for his people. His life was his message — one of dedication, service, and love. As we commend his soul to God’s eternal embrace, let us carry forward his legacy of nurturing faith, especially in our youth.
May the Lord, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest, and may his memory, continue to inspire generations to come?
P. Archibald Furtado