Hundreds Gather in Braga for the Ordination of Madeira's New Auxiliary Bishop

This afternoon, the episcopal ordination of D. Nélio Pita, a native of Madeira, took place at the Sé Primaz of the Archdiocese of Braga. The event drew hundreds of faithful, filling the cathedral to capacity. The ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop Primate of Braga, D. José Cordeiro, and attended by the Bishop of Funchal, D. Nuno Brás.

D. Nélio Pita, the newly ordained auxiliary bishop of Braga, emphasized his commitment to life as a priority, highlighting the plight of victims in ongoing wars. He also paid tribute to his family, stating, "My parents and siblings have been and continue to be the teachers who impart the most important lessons to me."

Background on D. Nélio Pita:

• Born in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, on October 11, 1973.
• Ordained as a priest in the Sé do Funchal on July 20, 2000.
• Holds a Licentiate in Theology from the Portuguese Catholic University and a Licentiate in Canonical Theology in Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical University of Comillas, Madrid.
• Master in Clinical Psychology from the Higher Institute of Applied Psychology, Lisbon.

Professional Journey:

• Director of the Major Seminary of the Portuguese Province of the Congregation of the Mission (2003-2008).
• Parish Priest of the Parish Church of São Tomás de Aquino, Lisbon (2008-2020).
• Provincial of the Portuguese Province of the Congregation of the Mission (2020-2022).
• Since July 2022, served as General Assistant of the Congregation of the Mission in Rome.