Events
Fr. NA Vincent Called To His Heavenly Home
BELLARY, APR. 23:

Fr. NA Vincent, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Bellary and Manager of St. Joseph’s Boys’ School, Bellary, was called to his heavenly home on April, 23, 2021.

He died at 11 AM due to a massive heart attack. He was 62 years of age and 35 years a priest.

In morning he celebrated Holy Eucharist at Fatima Sisters’ Convent Chapel, Cowl Bazaar, Ballari and after breakfast reached his room in the premises of St. Joseph’s Boys’ School.

On falling ill, he was rushed to Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, where it was declared, brought dead.

He had a heart problem for quite some time.

The mortal remains of Fr. N.A.Vincent was kept at St. Antony’s Cathedral, Ballari and requiem Mass celebrated by Bishop Henry D’Souza along with priests at 6.00 pm St. Antony’s Cathedral.

In his homily Bishop expressed his shock and surprise at the sudden death of Fr. NA Vincent and thanked God for 35 years of his dedicated service to the Church.

“The sudden death of Fr. N.A. Vincent alerts and reminds each one of us of our need for readiness to meet the Lord at the hour, we know not. However we need not be anxious, as the Risen Lord is always with us”, said Bishop Henry D’Souza.

He also thanked God for the 62 years of life and 35 years of devoted priestly service of Fr. N.A. Vincent in the Diocese of Bellary. Bishop lauded the loyal ministry of the deceased priest.

The mortal remains of Fr. N. A. Vincent were taken from cathedral to Cowl Bazaar Cemetery in a procession at 8.30 AM on Saturday the 24 April.

At the Cemetery Chapel, Holy Eucharist was celebrated at 9.00 AM where only limited number of people including Father N.A. Vincent’s family members participated in the last rites.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and total lock down during weekends many could not participate in the funeral service.

However many priests from different parts of the diocese paid their last respects and offered Masses for the soul of Fr. N.A. Vincent.

Many teachers and students’ representatives of St. Joseph’s Boys’ School were among those who paid their last respects.

Fr. N.A. Vincent served as a Judicial Vicar of the Diocese from 2013 and Correspondent and Manager of St. Joseph’s Boys’ School, from 2019 till the date and was member of College of Consulters 2014-19.

As a priest he was filled with compassion, he counseled many couples who came with problems in their family life, particularly when they approached the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese.

He was a silent worker and an able administrator. He served the Diocese with loyalty and commitment.

He served as Assistant Parish Priest, Parish Priest, Director, Manager, Judicial Vicar, Chancellor Member of College of Consulter etc. He is a hard working person. He gave his heart and soul to do the best of his ability when entrusted with responsibility.

His other pastoral assignments were: Asst. Parish Priest at Jawelgera (1986-87), Director, St. Martin’s Premashrama (1987-88), Parish Priest at Wadi (1988-89), Higher Studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute - M. Th. (1989-91), Chancellor of the Diocese (1991-92), Parish Priest of Sirwar (1992-97), Gangavathi (1998-99), T.B. Dam (1999- 2004), Director of St. Antony’s Pastoral Center (2004-09), PP of Manvi (2009-2014), PP & Manager, Kushtagi (2014-19), finally Manager & Correspondent St. Joseph’s Boys’ School, ( 2019 – 23 Apr. 2021).

As an able administrator who guided the teachers of the schools to be true to their call. He served the Lord like the wise steward of the Gospel, whole heartedly and worked hard despite many difficulties and challenges.

Fr. N.A. Vincent was born on 3 January 1959 at Senthamangalam, Chengalpattu District, Tamilnadu to N.A. Alphonse and Rose Mary.

He had his primary education at his native place and Secondary School at Apostolic School at Pannur, Tamilnadu. He was ordained for the Diocese of Bellary on 29 May 1986 in his native place Senthamanagalam by Bishop Ambrose Yeddanapalli, the second Bishop of Bellary.

His priest companions in the diocese are Rev. Frs. Francis Bashyam and Philip C.

We extent our sincere and prayerful sympathies to his family members and teachers and students of St. Joseph’s Boys’ School and friends and assure them of our continued prayers.

May his soul rest in peace!