Fr. Vincent Monteiro (71), Former YCS/YSM National Director and Asian Chaplain, Passes Away

MANGALORE, August 29, 2025: The Church in India and Asia mourns the passing of Rev. Fr. Vincent Francis Monteiro (71), a dynamic youth animator and pastoral visionary, who was called to eternal rest on the morning of Friday, 29 August 2025 at about 9.00 a.m. in Mangalore.

Born on 24 July 1954 at Angelore, Mangalore, to Mr. Raymond Monteiro and Mrs. Christine Monteiro, Fr. Vincent was ordained on 22 April 1981. Over 44 years of priestly life, he distinguished himself in the Diocese of Mangalore and in the Church beyond, through his leadership, simplicity, and commitment to pastoral care.

Fr. Vincent is especially remembered for his remarkable service to the youth movement. He served as National Director of the Young Christian Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM) of India from 1989 to 1995, during which he travelled extensively across the country, empowering thousands of young students to live their faith courageously and responsibly. His vision gave new dynamism to the movement, nurturing leadership and Christian values among youth across India.

In 2004, he was appointed Asian Chaplain of YCS, extending his influence beyond national borders and offering spiritual guidance to the movement at a continental level. His leadership was widely recognised for building bridges among cultures and inspiring students to become agents of change rooted in the Gospel.

Alongside his youth ministry, Fr. Vincent served the Diocese of Mangalore in various capacities: as Assistant Parish Priest, Parish Priest of Pangla, Kinnigoly, and Bendur, and Director of the Pastoral Institute, Mangalore. His ministry was marked by deep pastoral concern, a spirit of simplicity, and his enduring love for the people of God.

Fr. Vincent leaves behind a legacy of faith, hope, and service, particularly through the YCS/YSM movement that continues to impact generations of students in India and Asia.

His Funeral Mass and Burial Rites will take place on Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 4.00 p.m. in St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia.

By Fr. Anil Fernandes

Canara Communication Centre,

Mangalore

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