REV. RALPH J. MONTEIRO O.S.A.

Although it's been a number of years since Ralph and I have seen each other, I've never forgotten his many wonderful qualities. He was also a great cook, especially making breakfast. There were times when he preached that it seemed to me he was infused with the Holy Spirit. I'm grateful for the lessons learned and shared.

I grew up protestant, only came to OMC's charismatic meeting in the early 70's on a dare,and met Ralph, a man with blazing spiritual presence unlike anything I'd ever encountered. He became a wonderful friend -such integrity, such piercing wit, such artistic talent and passion like a character out of a Kazantzakis novel. Put a word in for the rest of us, Ralph!

I grew up with "Ralphie" as we called him in the good old days. We lived in a three family home on Washington Avenue in the Bronx. Ralphie lived on the first floor; the Flemings lived on the second floor and my family lived on the top floor. Ralph always dressed as a priest on Halloween -- at that time none of us knew this would be his calling. Even though we lost touch over the years, I always remembered him fondly and with love. God bless and keep you in his heavenly home, Father Ralph -- you did good!

Because we were on the road, we missed the notice of Ralph's death. Just found out today when we called the monastery. He married us 36 years ago, baptized our two sons, the younger one with water from the River Jordan that he brought back from his trip. We had kept in touch over the years and we can't believe he's gone. So glad we have an advocate closer to the other Big Guy. Nancy Laskowski and Frank Ashmore

I'm going to miss you man! What am I saying? I miss you now! Peace to ya Ralph. Love you man.

Mrs. Monteiro, we are deeply saddened by the passing of your son. Ralph was a wonderful family friend for over 40 years. He continued to stay connected as we did with him and some of us continued to have great conversations with him by phone. May he rest in peace... God bless him. Fondly, Mary Beth Anderson Flowers

REV. RALPH J. MONTEIRO, O.S.A.
On my 21st birthday Ralph gave me a purple "T" shirt. It had the word "Free" written on in in 7 languages. He is one of a very few men in my life that encouraged me to embrace the "Spirit of God" within myself, and be the man God created me to be. I am humbly grateful for the wisdom he has imparted to me over the years.

I would probably not be Catholic today were it not for Ralph. He inspired and challenged my faith - and made me like it! He has always been a total (but not always easy) blessing. May our wonderful Lord welcome him home with wide open arms! Well done, good and faithful servant.
Much love and thankfulness,
Linda McGinnis

This news reaches us from halfway around the globe (we're overseas, in France now), thanks to a friend from OMC grade school. I was lucky enough to be there as a student when Father Ralph was in our parish. I've never seen anybody work so hard or creatively to make the church more accessible and welcoming to children. Our deepest condolences to his family. I can only hope it's some comfort to know that so many still remember him as a really great guy with a warm heart. He clearly cared deeply. Decades later, I still appreciate that.

During the tempestuous 60s, when Ralph was a teacher and librarian, and I was a student at Msgr. Bonner High School, he provided a safe place and a kind word to those of us who spoke our minds about the events of the day. The fact that they were unpopular mattered not at all, so long as they were deeply felt. Ralph enabled me (us) to survive that awful period.
Ralph will forever shine as an example of what good people should be and act like. He didn't just talk about respect and values and humanity, he acted like they actually meant something.

Ralph,
You were there for me at a turbulenot time in my life. Rest peacefully in the arms of the Beloved.

Condolences to Fr. Ralph's family.
He was always near and dear in our hearts as he helped our Mom convert to Catholicism before she died. We will be forever grateful for that and may the good Lord welcome him into His Kingdom and his soul be at peace. Love you Fr. Ralph
Pat and Bill Lee

Deepest condolences to Father Ralph's family. Father Ralph was a loving, kind and gentle Christian who had such a positive impact on our family. His memory will live on. Rest in Peace, Jack, Rose and the Armstrong Family

When the chips were down, Ralph was there. He had guts. And he was humane. I'll never forget him. MP

Condolences to Father Ralph's family. I have fond memories of time spent during high school, when he used to come to my mother's house for dinner. Always approachable and full of compassion, he was a good man and he will be missed.

Barbara and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Ralph's family and his Augustinian confreres.

Although we had only come, over the past couple of years, to know Ralph we soon developed a great regard and affection for him. And certainly we will miss his beloved tambourine which had become such a feature at the Dignity Sunday Liturgies.

We pray most fervently that his soul, along with all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Fr. Ralph you were always supportive and kind and quirky and funny. Thank you for your service to all your friends down town. We will miss you -- and the tambourine!!!

Ralphie, Because of you,we know God better ! The journey was a blessing. May GOD grant you eternal PEACE my brother.

Carol & David & all the katona's..

Father Monteiro will always be remembered for his dedication, even as he advanced in years, to being a priest for ALL people. His knowledge, spiritual guidance and sensitivity to diversity were truly appreciated by so many of us. Now he plays his colorful tambourine before the Lord! Thank you, Ralph, for sharing your gifts with us!

The heavens are dancing since the arrival of Ralph in heaven. I was his friend about 37 years. He was a good priest who ministered to persons all over the country. He gave the sacraments to thousands of Catholics who were forced to the fringes by the Vatican. God will reward him now for his great courage and for the enduring the risks involved in serving the outcast populations of the Catholic Church. Thousand of Dignity members throughout the USA will always remember his great service to the Word, the Work and the Sacraments. I will miss you and will pray to you. Michael Rocks

Beloved cousin.. you shall be missed. The importance of FAMILY in your life was always a top priority and we will pray for you and for your mother, dearest Aunt Millie. Our condolences go out to your many friends and to your dear brother, Bob, his wife, children and grandchildren. Our Love, the Wolfert family