New Bishop of Armed Forces and Security in Portugal Aims to Be a 'Happy Bishop'

D. Sérgio Dinis Takes on New Role

D. Sérgio Dinis expressed his gratitude at the end of his episcopal ordination in Vila Real. In his remarks, he emphasized his aspiration to be a 'happy bishop', a witness of hope and joy in the Gospel.

Photo by Olímpia Mairos/Renascença

"I hope, with God's grace, to be a happy bishop, a witness of the hope and joy of the Gospel," D. Sérgio Dinis stated during the Mass where he was ordained bishop at the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Vila Real.

Leadership Transition

D. Sérgio Dinis was appointed to lead the Ordinariate Castrense in November 2024 by Pope Francis, succeeding D. Rui Valério, the current patriarch of Lisbon. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Pope and extended warm greetings to the bishops of Portugal, highlighting their fraternal welcome.

"I will do everything in my power for myself and for the entire Ordinariate Castrense to walk together toward a Church of communion, participation, and mission—a more synodal Church," he declared.

Personal Reflections and Acknowledgments

In his address, he also spoke to the Diocese of Vila Real, where he served as a priest, and acknowledged government officials and military leadership.

"I was born in Marão, grew up in Alvão, and matured in Douro. I know what it is to feel cold and heat. I have traversed mountains and valleys; with you, I have climbed and descended. It was with all of you that I learned to be a priest. You inspired me to go to São Paulo and to choose as my mission motto: 'I have become all things to all people.'"

He expressed gratitude to his family, revealing that his almost 105-year-old grandmother gifted him the episcopal ring. D. Sérgio Dinis also reflected on the poignant memory of saying goodbye to his father, a former combatant, just a year prior.

Final Blessing: "May the Virgin Mary, Our Immaculate Conception, patroness of this church, protect us all. Have a good journey and a safe return to your homes."

Celebration Details

The ordination ceremony was presided over by D. António Augusto Azevedo, Bishop of Vila Real, with co-consecrators including Cardinal D. António Marto and D. Rui Valério.

The Ordinariate Castrense was established in 1986, under the Apostolic Constitution 'Spirituali Militum Curae', overseeing all military faithful and those serving in the Armed Forces and Security Forces, including the National Republican Guard and Public Security Police.

The Religious Assistance Service for the Armed Forces and Security Forces was regulated in 2009, following the Concordat signed between Portugal and the Holy See in 2004, comprising the Chief Chaplaincy and religious assistance centers for the Navy, Army, Air Force, and police forces.

About D. Sérgio Dinis

D. Sérgio Manuel Ribeiro Dinis was born on May 8, 1970, in Ermelo, Mondim de Basto, Diocese of Vila Real. After attending the Salesian College in Poiares, he studied at the Seminary of Vila Real and the Major Seminary of Porto. He holds a degree in Theology from the Catholic University of Portugal and a degree in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Salamanca (Spain). He has been a priest since July 17, 1994, and served in various parishes before his new appointment.