Br. Vincent Bara, 86 years old, was born to a very pious and devout Catholic family on May 12, 1938 at Mundaltoli of Rangari Parish, Ranchi diocese, now in Simdega diocese. He was the youngest of 4 brothers and 3 sisters of Mr. Theophil Bara and Paulia. Two of his brothers were Jesuits. His desire to follow Jesus closely brought him to Gokhla for the initial training in the Order and to Sacred Heart Novitiate, Babumahal for his novitiate. He made his profession on Sept 1, 1964. After completing his TTC at Nawatoli in 1971, he began his teaching ministry in St. Stannislaus School, Gokhla. Later in the 1990s, he went to Satali, Mendabari of Hasimra Parish in West Bengal. He worked at Agaiamore, Adhikari in Bagdogra diocese, again at Gokhla, thereafter to Kanjwe, Kattibari and at last to Assisi Bhavan, Ranitalab in March 2018 for medical treatment and rest.
His departure from this world was shocking to us. He was hale and hearty. He prayed regularly and participated in all community activities. He had his regular meal on that night and retired to his room joyfully wishing good night to his confreres. On August 24th, 2024, in the early morning he fell asleep in the Lord due to cardiac arrest, leaving all of us in shock, surprise and sorrow. His mortal remains were later transferred to the provincial house and laid in state for others to offer their prayers and tribute.
Br. Vincent’s death reminds us that the purpose of life is to know, love and serve God. We believe that there is more to life here than what meets the eye. In his death we have lost one of the pioneers of the Province who lived as a living testimony of simple Franciscan life. He was a strict disciplinarian in school, a coach and friend in the football field, a good teacher in classroom, and a zealous missionary on bicycle. He impressed one and all with his warm smile and unassuming approach. His unwavering faith, loyalty, love for the people of God, to Church and to the Order were the hallmark of his personality. A good hardworking farmer who physically toiled to cultivate the land wherever he went. We miss him. He celebrated his life fully. He saw the diamond jubilee of his commitment to the Lord. Now he leaves behind a legacy of prayer, perseverance, seraphic joy and total dedication to the Lord for us to emulate, as he is in the presence to God.
Most Rev. Julius Marandi, Bishop of Dumka was the principal celebrant at the mass of the resurrection, Fr. John Kochuchira preached the homily and Fr. Kurian Thrikkodanmalil officiated the funeral service. A large number of Priests, Friars, Religious and his near and dear ones were present to bid farewell to Br. Vincent.