Fr Alfredo Jose Antonio Jesus Ermelindo Monteiro was born to Caetano Joao and Tomentina Miranda at Dramapur on April 15, 1945. He was ordained a priest on April 24, 1973 at Holy Spirit Church, Margao. He comes from a pious family with two sisters being nuns. He served different parishes in Goa including Colva parish for one year, three months. He was in the Majorda parish from 1974 to 1978 followed by being appointed as a Chaplain at Borda for nine years from 1986. He was transferred to Mandrem as the Vicar from where he travelled abroad to proclaim the Word of God.
In Venezuela, Fr Alfredo served for five years, from 1981 to 1986 and escaped from the jaws of death. He built a new church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and was named its first pastor. He carved the hill and used stones to build the residence and a hall. He also secured large tracts of land which were donated to build a cemetery with a vision of provision for the future Church expansion.
Fr Alfredo was working in the United States of America. He was appointed as a pastor at St Theresa Roman Catholic Church, New York for 11 years. In 1998, he was pastor of St Gabriel Church and Chaplain at Sound Shore Hospital, New Rochelle. In 2001, he was appointed pastor at St John Vianney Church, Orlando. In 2001 to 2004, he was pastor at St Lawrence O’Toole Church, Brewster, New York. In 2010, he was incardinated in Archdiocese of New York and was appointed Administrator of St Mary’s Church at Mount Vernon. After one year, he was appointed as pastor of St Mary’s Church for three years and administrator of Sacred Heart Church.
He was one among 15 members and the only non American on the committee to Making All Things New and worked for three years. In 2016, he was appointed pastor at Our Lady of Victory and Sacred Heart Church where he served Brazilians, Americans and Spaniards and by secret votes was selected one of the Deans
of Archdiocese of New York, the first Dean from Goa and a foreigner who created history.
The Executive Office of Westchester County, New York issued a proclamation by Robert P Astorino, detailing his postings in recognition for impressive accomplishment and commending dedication to God and community.
Mayor Richard Thomas, Mount Vernon, presented him a certificate of appreciation for his spiritual faith and leadership qualities.
On October 30, 2017, he was honoured with Simao Boliver Medal by President Lucinze, at Mira Flores, Presidential Palace, Caracas, Venezuela for building a new Church.
He was at the fore front of Konkani movement and nicknamed Pele of soccer.
A devoted priest following in the footsteps of Christ to spread his message and strengthen the faith of his followers by his example, he galvanised youth in sports, religion and social causes. He is loved, accepted, respected and appreciated by his parishioners and superiors. He has left fond memories, friends and admirers in 16 years of service in Goa. He is embodiment of humility, obedience that he obeyed without expressing any reservation after retirement and adjusted to assist the new pastor for a year in supportive and subordinate role. He is honest
to the core, transparent in financial accounting. His attitude is to forgive and forget with joyful heart the misunderstandings without harbouring revenge.
He believes in the joy of giving without hoarding for tomorrow. He has been a planner, administrator and organiser par excellence and qualifies to be a model, an ideal priest with dedication to faith, humble and obedient to superiors.
Fr Alfredo Monteiro will celebrate 50 years of priesthood with an thanksgiving Eucharistic Mass on May 1 at St Joseph Church, Dramapur.