The Church in Brazil

Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis spoke at a United Nations conference in New York on September 17 to address how incitement to hatred fuels violence and persecution. As the new permanent observer of the Holy See to the UN, the archbishop participated in the global conference focused on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance.

El-Kassis stated that speech directed against individuals or communities based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, or other characteristics poisons public debate, increases divisions, and undermines freedom. He noted that such language can create a foundation for violence and persecution.

To combat these issues, the archbishop called for the promotion of religious and intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and tolerance. He also emphasized the importance of responsibility in freedom of expression, suggesting that de-escalating harmful language is a necessary step toward building social peace and a culture of respect for differences.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor José Paulino Francisco Neto as the new bishop of the Diocese of Porto Nacional.

Monsignor José Paulino, a priest from the Diocese of Araçuaí, is scheduled to be ordained a bishop on November 28, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Vitória. The ordination will be led by Bishop Dario Campos, OFM, Bishop Emeritus of Vitória; Auxiliary Bishop Andherson Franklin Lustosa de Souza of Vitória; and Bishop Geraldo dos Reis Maia of Araçuaí. He will assume leadership of the Diocese of Porto Nacional on December 19, 2026.

Born in Comercinho in 1972, Monsignor José Paulino was ordained a priest on August 4, 2000. During his time with the Diocese of Araçuaí, he served as a parish priest in Catuji and Coronel Murta, a parochial vicar in Turmalina, and held various roles including rector of the diocesan seminary, chancellor of the Curia, and judicial vicar. Since 2020, he has served in the Archdiocese of Vitória.

Bishop José Roberto Silva Carvalho accompanied members of the Diocese of Caetité's consecrated religious life on a trip to Rio de Contas on September 16 and 17. The tour provided participants with opportunities for rest, fellowship, and strengthening fraternal bonds.

Before reaching Rio de Contas, the group stopped at the Senhor Bom Jesus Parish in Brumado. There, Father Marcos Vinícius Carvalho welcomed the travelers.

The Diocese of Guaxupé announced the death of Father Guaraciba Lopes de Oliveira Junior on Friday, September 18, 2026. He died following a serious accident on the road between Cajuru and Mococa.

Father Guaraciba served as the parish priest of São Domingos Parish in Poços de Caldas. The diocese expressed its solidarity with his family, friends, fellow priests, and parishioners during this time of mourning.

The diocese will release information regarding the wake and funeral services through its official channels at a later date.

The Diocese of Erexim held the 39th Romaria a N. Sra. da Santa Cruz at Lajeado Paca, located at Km 20 of the RS 420 road between Erechim and Aratiba. The pilgrimage and its preceding three day prayer service focused on the theme of Our Lady of the Holy Cross and Dorothea Farina as a path to conversion and peace.

During the pilgrimage, Father Gladir Giacomel, the rector of the sanctuary, presided over a mass near the cross. Other activities included a Via-Sacra led by laypeople, a penitential service led by Father Paulo Rogério Caovilla, the pastor of São Pedro Parish in Erechim, and a blessing of food led by Father Clair Fa.

Pope John Paul II published the encyclical Laborem Exercens to address the nature of human work. Originally scheduled for release on May 15, 1981, the publication was delayed until September 14, 1981, following the assassination attempt against the Pope in St. Peter's Square.

The document was released to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum. In the text, the Pope places the dignity of work at the center of social issues and asserts that the human person is the true subject of labor. He argues that work allows individuals to express and improve their dignity, establishing the primacy of work over capital and material goods.

The encyclical supports the rights of workers and unions while reflecting on the spirituality of labor. John Paul II also addresses modern developments in the workforce, including automation, rising costs for energy and raw materials, environmental awareness, and the right to participate in professional life.

The Diocese of Curitiba will host the 2nd Cassiano Retreat on November 21 for devotees of Saint Rita of Cascia and those interested in her spirituality. The event, themed "Saint Rita and the art of starting over," uses the biblical passage "My grace is sufficient for you" to encourage participants to reflect on their personal histories through faith.

The retreat focuses on how Saint Rita's life of challenges and conflicts can serve as a model for reparation and restoration. The program is organized into three dimensions: the relationship with God, with others, and with oneself. Participants will engage in prayer, preaching, testimonies, adoration, group sharing, and the Holy Mass.

The schedule includes a session on Saint Rita's relationship with God led by Father Gilberto Oliveira, OSA, the parish priest of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça in Curitiba. Another session regarding Saint Rita's relationship with others will be led by journalist Kátia Vanzini. The day concludes with a musical performance.

Pope Leo XIV met with auxiliary bishops Gabriel dos Santos Filho and Gilvan Pereira Rodrigues following a formation program for newly appointed bishops in Rome. The meeting took place at the conclusion of an event held from September 2 to September 10, organized by the Dicastery for Bishops.

The program gathered newly appointed prelates from around the world for reflection and communion. The Salvador auxiliary bishops participated alongside Bishop George Muniz of the Diocese of Propriá and auxiliary bishop Jefferson Santos Pinheiro of the Archdiocese of Aracaju. Bishop Gilvan also serves as the secretary for the regional group.

The Dom Avelar Brandão Vilela Foundation will launch a new fragrance called Essência de Nazaré on Sunday, September 20, at 8h. The event takes place at Café Primaz in the Salvador Metropolitan Curia.

The fragrance uses notes of wine and rosemary to reference the context of Nazaré in the time of Jesus. It is designed to provide a sensory experience associated with the values, spirituality, and life of the Sagrada Família. The launch also includes the 2027 edition of the book Na Mesa de Nazaré by Father Danilo Pinto.

The project connects the perfume to radio content on the Rede Excelsior de Comunicação. The station will air a series of spots using sound design inspired by old radio dramas to lead listeners to reflections on the lives of Maria, José, and Jesus.

People can purchase the fragrance at the Dom Avelar Brandão Vilela Foundation headquarters, the Capela Sagrada Família in the Garcia neighborhood of Salvador, or through the website essenciadenazare.com.br. The diffuser costs R$ 32,50.

The Diocese of Erexim held its 18th annual meeting for secretaries on Tuesday, 15, to provide formation and spiritual reflection. The event brought together staff from 30 parish offices, the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Seminary, and the diocesan curia.

Bishop Adimir Antônio Mazali and Monsignor Agostinho Dors led the gathering, which focused on the theme of walking together in faith and mission. Father Romário Barbosa Santana, a Salettine missionary and pastor of the Nossa Senhora da Salette Parish, conducted the formation sessions. He led prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and group activities.

During his reflection, Father Santana described the role of parish secretaries as an evangelizing ministry. He noted that because the office is often the first point of contact for people seeking the Church, staff should consider the individual needs of everyone who visits the parish.

Bishops from the 18 archdioceses and dioceses of the CNBB Regional Sul 2 will meet for their 2nd annual assembly in Guarapuava from September 23 to 25. The gathering includes archbishops and bishops from the region, as well as representatives from the metropolia and eparchy with headquarters in Paraná.

The assembly will take place at the Casa de Líderes Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe. Participants include Father Edson Zamiro da Silva, president of the Comissão Regional de Presbíteros, and Father Marcos Paulo Honório da Silva, executive secretary of the CNBB Sul 2. The meeting begins with a Mass on Wednesday afternoon, followed by discussions and prayer through Friday at noon.

The bishops plan to discuss the Missão São Paulo VI in Guinea-Bissau and prepare for the next Congresso Missionário Americano (CAM7) in Curitiba in November 2029. The assembly will also include reflections on new documents. Following the bishops' meeting, the 45ª Assembleia do Povo de Deus will take place from the afternoon of September 25 through September 27.

Kolbe Arte is offering free screenings of the film "O Céu Não Pode Esper@" throughout Brazil during October. The Catholic film distributor made the film available to parishes, schools, communities, and other institutions to mark the first anniversary of the canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis.

Institutions with the necessary equipment can host screenings for any group size from October 1 to October 31. To participate, organizations must register through a request form. The Kolbe Arte team will review these requests and send instructions to approved institutions.

The Diocese of Mossoró will celebrate the feast of St. Therese from September 21 to October 1 at the St. Therese Seminary. This year's celebration uses the theme "Jesus, looking at him, loved him" to focus on vocational discernment and the spiritual life of the young men training for the priesthood.

The event brings together parishes, missionary areas, religious communities, and former seminarians for days of prayer and communion. The festivities conclude on October 1 with a closing Mass, during which the diocese will launch the jubilee celebrating the 90th anniversary of the seminary's founding.

The Diocese of Santa Luzia de Mossoró will host the 30th Youth Romaria on October 18 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Impossible in Patu. The event will bring together young people from various parishes and communities across the diocese to celebrate their faith and strengthen communal bonds.

Father Max Damasceno, the diocesan coordinator for youth, said this year's gathering is particularly significant because it occurs during the 2026 Diocesan Year of Youth. He stated the diocese aims to listen to young people, value their talents, and provide spaces for them to lead evangelization efforts.

The pilgrimage invites youth groups, pastoral movements, new communities, and schools from parishes, quasi-parishes, and missionary areas to participate. Attendees will gather at the shrine in Serra do Lima to pray and renew their commitment to the Church's mission.

Bishop Gilson Meurer of Lages invited the faithful to rediscover the importance of the Bible during the month of September. In his reflection titled “A Bíblia: Palavra viva que transforma a vida,” the bishop described the Bible as the living word of God that communicates a project of life and salvation rather than just an ancient literary or historical record.

Meurer referenced the memory of São Jerônimo, celebrated on 30 de setembro, to discuss the history of Bible translation and the necessity of making the word of God understandable in the language of every people. He noted that Portuguese translations allow Christians to access the Bible during the Eucharist, personal reading, and within various Church formation groups and spaces.

Drawing on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, specifically the Constitution Dogmática Dei Verbum, the bishop emphasized the centrality of the Bible in the life of the Church and the faith experience of each Christian. He encouraged the diocesan community to use the Bible as daily nourishment through reading, prayer, study, and participation in pastoral activities and celebrations.

The Episcopal Palace of Guaxupé marks 100 years since its inauguration in September 2026. The building serves as the bishop's residence and acts as a historical landmark for both the Diocese of Guaxupé and the city.

Construction of the palace began following an initiative by Bishop Ranulpho da Silva Farias in 1923. The bishop blessed the first stone on March 2, 1924, starting a project supported by the local community. In April 1924, the newspaper Gazeta Commercial published a public notice to hire workers for tasks including masonry, plastering, tiling, and roofing.

Ramon Castro Garcia was responsible for the building plans and later supervised the construction. By the end of 1924, the walls had reached their full height with windows and portals installed.

Bishop Francisco de Assis Gabriel dos Santos appointed seven members to the Ecclesiastical Chamber of the Diocese of Cajazeiras by decree. The new members will assist the diocesan bishop and ecclesiastical tribunals in managing matters within the sphere of Church justice.

The appointed members include Father Damião Nunes as auditor and coordinator, and Father Moisés Alves Pereira as auditor. Father Francinário Linhares da Silva, Father Sebastião Neto, and Father Gustavo Ferreira will serve as notaries, while Vicente Félix de Moura Neto will serve as secretary.

The Ecclesiastical Chamber of Procedural Instruction acts as an auxiliary body to ecclesiastical tribunals. It helps manage the instructional phase of legal processes to ensure cases are properly prepared and sent to the appropriate authorities. According to standards from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, these chambers help dioceses execute letters rogatory from regional or interdiocesan tribunals and support bishops in administering justice.

The Diocese de Cajazeiras inaugurated the new Monsenhor Luiz Gualberto de Andrade Curia Diocesana headquarters on September 17 in Cajazeiras. Located on Avenida Joca Claudino within the Centro Diocesano de Pastoral complex, the new facilities underwent a blessing ceremony attended by priests, permanent deacons, seminarians, religious, and diocesan staff.

Father Damião Nunes Viana, Vigário Geral and Moderator of the Curia Diocesana, said the new structure serves as a tool for ecclesial communion, pastoral organization, the administration of temporal goods, synodality, and the evangelizing mission of the diocese. He noted that the building honors Monsenhor Luiz Gualberto de Andrade, whose work was closely linked to the history of the diocese and the development of the Alto Sertão da Paraíba. Luiz Gualberto de Andrade Sobrinho attended the event to represent the family of the priest.

Pope Leo XIV is encouraging the use of social friendship to address modern social and environmental conflicts. In his encyclical Magnifica humanitas, the Pope stated that building a human society requires restoring dialogue, the common good, and the ability to form relationships even among people with differing views. He suggested that peace begins with how people look at, listen to, and speak to one another, calling for the practice of disarming words before beginning negotiations.

The Vatican hosted the IV Fratelli tutti Meeting in Rome from September 10 to 12 to discuss these themes through North-South socio-environmental dialogue. The Pontifical Commission for Latin America, CELAM, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops organized the gathering. Participants included representatives from episcopal conferences, international organizations, banks, foundations, unions, business chambers, universities, and organized communities. The meeting presented four projects designed to bring together diverse actors to tackle complex global issues.

Seminarian Daniel Ribeiro, an advisor for the liturgical ministry of the Diocese of Luz, attended a regional meeting for liturgy coordinators and advisors in Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais. The event took place from September 14 to 17.

The meeting focused on liturgical music. Father Jair, an advisor for liturgical music within the CNBB Liturgy Commission, presented methods to help the liturgy facilitate an encounter with the Paschal mystery.

Ribeiro noted that the training included practical experiences to help participants understand how rites function in the lives of the faithful. He stated that focusing on the Paschal mystery within the rite supports the spiritual growth of all believers.

Regional South-1 of the CNBB will hold its 47th Regional Ecclesial Assembly from September 25 to 27 at the Itaici Monastery in Indaiatuba, Brazil. The assembly brings together bishops, priests, religious men and women, and leaders to discuss evangelization in the current context.

The meeting focuses on the theme of communicating human dignity. Participants will reflect on the DGAE 2026-2032 and the final document of the Synod. Father Luis Fernando da Silva, executive secretary of Regional South-1, said the assembly aims to apply these frameworks to the mission of the Church while incorporating the contribution of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.

The three-day program includes group work, celebrations, and discussions. The assembly also addresses human dignity during a period marked by an electoral process.

A Brazilian delegation attended the second international preparatory meeting for the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul. The group included the president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) Commission for Youth and representatives from various youth ministries.

The meeting focused on deepening the missionary vision for the event and planning the preparation and execution of the gathering in Seoul. Participants worked to strengthen the organizational paths leading toward the 2027 event.

The Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB Nacional) held its 3rd International Communication Congress on September 10 and 11, 2026, at Santa Marcelina College in São Paulo. More than 300 communicators, researchers, and representatives of consecrated religious life attended the event to discuss how digital technologies affect human connection.

The congress focused on the theme of innovation, emerging technologies, humanities, and communication. Participants debated topics including artificial intelligence, algorithms, digital culture, ethics, and human dignity. Discussions centered on how to preserve human relationships and personal encounters in a society increasingly shaped by intelligent systems.

During the opening, Sister Neusa Santos, the general coordinator of the congress and communication advisor for CRB Nacional, said the event should serve as a space for listening, learning, and building communication that remains committed to life. Sister Maria do Disterro Rocha, president of CRB Nacional, also participated in the opening session alongside representatives from Santa Marcelina College and various Church institutions.

São João Batista Parish in the Capão neighborhood of Campos dos Goytacazes held a discussion group on Thursday, September 17, to raise awareness about mental health and emotional well-being.

Aline Souza led the session, which addressed the importance of self-care and managing emotions through the lens of the Gospel. Parish priest Father Alexandre Mothé attended the meeting.

The discussion emphasized that prayer and professional support can work together, noting that seeking psychological assistance complements a life of faith. The event encouraged the parish community to support one another through listening and fraternity when facing daily challenges.

Our Lady of Mercies Parish, also known as the Capuchin Church, is holding celebrations for its patron saint through September 24. The festivities include novenas, blessings, a car procession, and community gatherings.

The novena runs from September 15 to September 23 at 19:00, focusing on the theme of Mary as a promoter of communion and peace. On September 24, the liturgical feast day, the parish plans to hold a celebration including the coronation of Our Lady at 19:00. Scheduled events for this weekend include a car procession through the neighborhood streets, a pastel night, and a traditional church barbecue.

The devotion to Our Lady of Mercies originated in the 13th century in Spain. According to the Diocese of Curitiba, the devotion began after Saint Peter Nolasco sought to help Christians held captive during conflicts in the Iberian Peninsula. This led to the official founding of the Order of Our Lady of Mercies in 1218.

PUC Goiás launched a countdown for the 19th National Eucharistic Congress on September 16. The university installed a special clock at Campus I, in front of the rectorate, to mark the start of the preparations for the event.

The Archdiocese of Goiânia will host the congress from September 3 to 7, 2027. Archbishop João Justino, who also serves as the chancellor of PUC Goiás, led the blessing of the clock and the ceremony. He noted that the university has been involved since the initial discussions to bring the congress to Goiânia and that members of the academic community are serving on the organizing committees.

The archbishop stated that the clock serves to announce the upcoming congress in a high-traffic area of the city. The event is intended to be an opportunity for revitalization in communion with the Church in Brazil.

The São Sebastião and Santa Filomena Parish in Varre-Sai celebrated its 113th anniversary with a solemn Mass led by parish priest Father Raphael Ferreira. The celebration took place at the site of the new main church, marking the completion of the first phase of its reconstruction.

The church building has been closed since February 13, 2020, after its tower and main facade collapsed. The reconstruction project aims to restore the historical landmark and serves as a community effort to rebuild the space for prayer and communion.

Established in 1913, the parish traces its origins to a promise made around 1850 by Felicíssimo Faria Salgado, who donated the land for the original village. The parish's history connects Varre-Sai to the neighboring cities of Natividade and Itaperuna.

The Archdiocese of Curitiba has opened registration for the 2nd Muticom, scheduled for November 7 at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR). The event will run from 8h30 to 17h, concluding with a Mass presided over by Father Moreira, the ecclesiastical advisor for the Pascom Arquidiocesana.

The theme, Narrativas de Esperança: Comunicar com o coração de Francisco, draws inspiration from the 100 years of the Arquidiocese de Curitiba celebrated in 2026 and the Ano Jubilar Franciscano. Organizers stated the meeting invites communicators to recognize, record, and transmit narratives of hope that reveal the action of God in history and announce the Gospel to new generations.

The Comissão de Comunicação da Arquidiocese de Curitiba and the Pascom Arquidiocesana presented the visual identity for the 2nd Muticom on Thursday, September 17. Designer João Borges created the arts, which he said express communication made by people and for people that is attentive to the stories of each community and open to dialogue.

Bishop Antonio Tourinho Neto presided over a solemn mass for the feast of Nossa Senhora da Soledade at the Nossa Senhora da Soledade parish in Acupe, a district of Santo Amaro. The celebration took place on Tuesday, September 15.

The parish festivities included an alvorada and the recitation of the Office of the Immaculate by the faithful. The day of programming continued through the evening.

Bishop Ricardo Hoepers, the auxiliary bishop of Brasília and secretary-general of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, received members of the Joseleitos Society of Christ and the Claretians on September 15 and 16.

The Diocese of Curitiba has announced the projects pre-approved for the second half of 2026 through its Diocesan Solidarity Fund. The fund's management council selected these proposals based on established criteria and the 2026 Fraternity Campaign.

The pre-approved projects, which may still require adjustments, include a community bakery at Nossa Senhora Aparecida Parish in Uberaba, a program at the APAE/ Escola Rodolfo Bescorovaine in Pinhais, and a project by the Centro de Estudos Bíblicos. Other selected initiatives include support for the Grupo Cultural e Folclórico Alma Tricolor, a project by the Pastoral Operária, and a project by Cáritas da Arquidiocese de Curitiba.

The management council will email all applicants with specific feedback regarding their proposals.

The Diocese of Macapá has launched the Uma Flor para Maria campaign to collect donations for decorating the Círio de Nazaré celebrations. Supporters can contribute to the campaign until October 8 to help provide flowers and foliage for various religious spaces and processions.

The donations will fund decorations for churches, celebration stages, and the boat used during the river pilgrimage. The funds will also cover the floral arrangements for the platforms used in processions and the berlinda, which is the structure that carries the image of Our Lady of Nazareth during the main procession. This year, the decoration team must also prepare a new space for the presentation of the mantle, as that mass will be held separately from the translation mass.

Lauriane Figueiredo, a member of the fundraising directorate, stated that the demand for flowers is high because of the large number of locations and the size of the berlinda. Planned floral varieties include roses, lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, snapdragons, and anthuriums.

The Diocese of São Salvador da Bahia will host the 13th annual Festival Primaverão from Friday, September 18, to Sunday, September 20. Held at the Ascensão do Senhor Parish in the Bahia Administrative Center, the three day event features music, food, and social initiatives.

Proceeds support the Monsenhor José Hamilton Community Center, which currently assists 220 families. About 550 volunteers are helping to run the event. Attendees can visit the Brechó do Bem, a thrift shop featuring donated items, and explore various food options including Italian, Arabic, and Portuguese cuisines, as well as a traditional feijoada served on Sunday.

The musical lineup begins Friday with Banda Escalada, Marta Lordelo, and Chiclete com Banana. Saturday features performances by Samba Imperial, Sal de Maré, Mil Milhas, Confraria da Música, and Herico Oliveira. On Sunday, the schedule includes Negra Cor, a Brechó do Bem parade, Alexandre Leão, and Herbert & Richard.

The São Mateus community in the Caçari neighborhood of Boa Vista will hold a celebration in honor of its patron saint from September 18 to 21. The festivities, organized by the Diocese of Roraima, include masses, a novena for families, a bicycle ride, and community events.

The schedule begins on September 18 with a mass at 18h30 featuring the Mãe Rainha group. On September 19, a bicycle ride will take place at 6h toward Veredas do Rio Branco, with a shared breakfast for participants upon their return. That evening, the community will host a festival with traditional foods and a bingo game.

The celebration concludes on September 21, the feast day of São Mateus, with a mass and a blessing of finances led by parish priest Deivith Zanioli. Parish coordinator Antônio Nazareno invited the faithful to attend the final day to receive the blessing. This year's theme is “Anunciamos o Evangelho que gera vida e esperança,” with the motto “Vós sois a luz do mundo.”

Movimento Mãe Rainha held a missionary training session for missionaries, coordinators, and families in Roraima last weekend. The event aimed to strengthen the movement's work in the state and deepen the spirituality of its members.

Sister Mariana Galina from the Santuário da Mãe Rainha in Atibaia, São Paulo, attended the training. She stated that the meeting prepared participants to continue the mission of bringing the image of the Mãe Peregrina to families. Sister Mariana noted that the training helps missionaries sustain their spirituality and strengthens their connection to the sanctuary to carry out their mission.

Bishop Adenis Roberto de Oliveira presided over a Mass in Curitiba on September 10, 2026, to mark the canonical visit of Brother Peter Carroll, the Superior General of the Marist Brothers. The celebration took place at the Mother of Mercy Chapel within the Centro Marista Champagnat.

The Mass brought together Marist Brothers, laypeople, and staff from the Marist Province of Brazil Center-South. Attendees included various professionals working in areas such as education, communications, legal services, and vocational animation. Provincial Superior Brother Vanderlei Siqueira and Vice-Provincial Brother Anacleto Peruzzo also participated in the liturgy.

The Diocese of Curitiba stated the gathering served to strengthen the bonds between religious members and lay collaborators serving the mission of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The event highlighted the connection between the local Church and the Marist mission.

The Diocese of Erexim will hold its 75th Our Lady of Fatima Diocesan Pilgrimage from October 2 to 11. The event centers on the theme of peace, encouraging participants to turn calls for peace into daily actions.

During the novena from October 2 to 10, daily activities will draw on themes from the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. The schedule includes daily masses, rosary celebrations, and evening processions. Each night, a procession will travel from St. Joseph Cathedral to the Sanctuary, followed by a mass.

Various pastoral areas within the diocese will rotate responsibility for leading the nightly processions and celebrations, while other pastoral groups and ecclesial movements will lead the afternoon services. The pilgrimage concludes on October 11 with a central program for the diocesan community.

The Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia has published an article about Dom Pedro Fernandes Sardinha, the first bishop of Bahia and Brazil. The piece begins a new series titled "Pastores da Bahia," which the archdiocese communication department organized based on the work of Monsignor Walter Magalhães.

The series aims to remember the bishops and archbishops who helped build the history of the Sé Primacial. The article details the life of Sardinha, who was born in Évora, Portugal, in the late 15th century. He studied philosophy and theology at the University of Paris between 1525 and 1536 and later served as a preacher and royal chaplain in Portugal.

Before arriving in Brazil, Sardinha held several roles in India, including dean of the Cabido de Goa, preacher, provider, vicar general, and visitor. His experience in these various ecclesiastical functions preceded his mission to lead the first diocese in Brazil.

The West-Central Episcopal Region of the Archdiocese of Curitiba will host a formation meeting for tithing ministry agents and interested participants on September 27. The event takes place at São Braz Parish in Curitiba from 14h to 17h30.

The meeting, titled "Communicating the Tithe Positively: From Obligation to the Joy of Sharing," aims to help agents reflect on new ways to explain the tithe. Rather than presenting it as a mere contribution, the program seeks to frame it as an expression of faith, gratitude, belonging, and commitment to the Church's mission.

The training will cover the four dimensions of the tithe: religious, ecclesial, missionary, and charitable. Organizers intend for the session to help agents communicate these experiences more positively within their pastoral communities to encourage shared responsibility. Registration for the meeting costs R$ 20,00.

The Apostolado da Oração celebrated 130 years of history and devotion on Saturday, September 12, at the Paróquia NSª Mãe de Deus in Palmas de Monte Alto.

The celebration began with a procession from the home of member Júlia to the church. The procession included a band, banners, and a litter carrying the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Following the walk, Father Sandro Lima presided over a Mass at the church. During his homily, Father Lima spoke about the history of the Apostolado da Oração and the role its members play in practicing their faith and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Members of the Apostolado da Oração from Ituaçu, Bahia, attended the event. At the end of the Mass, the parish honored members for their dedication to the group's mission and presented flowers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Diocese of Cajazeiras held a three day biblical formation module for more than 70 catechists from various parishes. The event, titled Module I of the Escola Bíblico-Catequética Pe. José Mangueira Rolim, took place from September 11 to 13 at the Centro Diocesano de Pastoral in Cajazeiras, Paraíba.

The training was organized by the Setor Diocesano de Catequese to provide continuous education in biblical, theological, methodological, and liturgical areas. Professor Jair Rodrigues, a doctor in religious sciences from the Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, led the sessions.

During the meeting, 15 catechists received certificates marking their completion of the sixth class of the school. This group finished a four module training itinerary.

Bishop Edmilson ordained José Rodrigo Mendonça as a permanent deacon on Saturday, September 12, at Santa Mena Parish.

The Diocese of Guarulhos announced that Mendonça will begin his new ministry at the São Judas Sanctuary. The ordination ceremony included members of the local clergy and the parish community.

Ação Social Arquidiocesana (ASA) released a report on September 10 detailing social activities and initiatives within the Archdiocese of Florianópolis for May and June 2026.

The report shows that 1465 volunteers and 45 institutions within the ASA network helped distribute more than 141 mil donated items. These efforts benefited 18 mil people.

The Bom Despacho deanery held a meeting for parish catechesis coordinators at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish on September 5.

The diocesan catechesis coordinator, Luiz Henrique, led the meeting to facilitate dialogue and shared experiences among the participants. During the session, coordinators from each parish presented their current situations, discussed challenges, and offered suggestions for catechetical activities in the coming year.

The meeting served as a way for the local Church to coordinate its evangelization efforts and plan for a more participatory and missionary approach to catechesis.

The CNBB Oeste 2 held a regional assembly for the Pastoral da Pessoa Idosa (PPI) on September 12 and 13, 2026, in Cuiabá. The meeting brought together coordinators, leaders, and facilitators from the dioceses of Sinop, Cáceres, Diamantino, Barra do Garças, Rondonópolis-Guiratinga, Primavera do Leste-Paranatinga, and the Archdiocese of Cuiabá.

Participants engaged in training, evaluation, and spiritual activities. A central discussion focused on the support and protection network for the elderly that the PPI helps build through care and solidarity to promote quality of life and access to rights. The assembly also included a prayerful reading of AT 10,1-48 and a Marian devotion to reflect on the importance of valuing the wisdom and leadership of older people.

São Francisco das Chagas Parish in the Diocese of Roraima will hold celebrations from September 17 to 26 to honor its patron saint. The festivities align with the Franciscan Jubilee Year under the theme "800 years of one heart: we live the Jubilee of Reconciliation."

The program begins on September 17 with a Mass, followed by confessions from 7h to 18h. An opening Mass for the novena will take place at 19h that evening. The novena continues through September 25, featuring blessings for the elderly on September 23, children on September 24, and animals on September 25.

On September 26, the parish will hold a Mass at 7h and a social festival at 19h in the Claretiano College courtyard. The festival includes traditional foods, family attractions, and a bingo with prizes of up to R$ 15 mil. Parish priest Josimar Lobo said the celebrations mark a special time of grace and hope for the community during the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV.

The Diocese of Lages released the third video in its Vida em Primeiro Lugar series, featuring a discussion on defending women's rights.

In the video, Denise Paes from the Marcha Mundial das Mulheres discusses the importance of addressing violence against women during the Grito dos Excluídos social mobilizations. Paes states that violence against women requires a commitment from all of society and that including this topic in social movements helps increase awareness and build more just, equal, and non-violent relationships. She emphasizes the need to expand debates regarding the various forms of violence and exclusion that affect women.

Cáritas Arquidiocesana de Curitiba will host a job fair on September 18 to help migrants and others find work. The event, held in partnership with the Archdiocese of Curitiba, runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Avenida Jaime Reis, 369, in Curitiba.

Twelve companies will attend the fair to recruit and select candidates for various positions. Participants can also access services offered by the Secretaria Municipal da Saúde.

Participation is free and does not require prior registration. People interested in the selection processes should bring their CPF, an updated resume, a work booklet, and an RNM if they are migrants.

The Diocese of Guaxupé held a communication rally to train members of the Pastoral da Comunicação (Pascom) on evangelizing in digital spaces. The event brought together communication agents to share experiences and strengthen their mission through media and digital platforms.

Bishop José Lanza Neto and diocesan pastoral coordinator Father Sérgio Bernardes attended the meeting. The program included assistance from Renato César of the Diocese of Osasco and Gabriel from the Diocese of Guaxupé.

Participants discussed how to use creativity, technical skills, and Christian witness to announce the Gospel online. The meeting emphasized that digital environments are mission territories where the Church must build relationships and foster communion through effective communication.

The Diocese of Guaxupé held its 41st Diocesan Meeting of Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEBs) in Nova Resende on September 12 and 13. Approximately 150 participants attended the weekend event to focus on formation, sharing experiences, and strengthening community life.

The program featured Celso Pinto Carias, a doctor of theology and advisor for the CEBs in Brazil and the Lay Commission of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB). Participants studied the final document of the Synod, titled "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission," to find practical ways to live out synodality within the diocese.

The meeting highlighted the role of basic ecclesial communities as spaces for communion and mission through shared faith and responsibility. A notable feature of this year's gathering was the high number of young people in attendance. Representatives from the Diocese of Campanha also attended to exchange experiences and strengthen ties between the churches in the ecclesiastical province.

Alessandra Dias, a psychologist for the Guaxupé Seminary, attended a national update meeting for psychologists working in seminaries in Brasília from September 11 to 13. The event was organized by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) and the Organization of Seminaries and Institutes of Brazil (OSIB).

The meeting brought together professionals who support training processes in seminaries across different regions of Brazil to discuss contemporary challenges in human formation. This year's theme addressed social media, mental health, and the use of artificial intelligence to analyze human emotions and behavior during the formation process.

Participants examined how new technologies and social media impact human relationships and emotions. The discussions emphasized the need to recognize the individual history and unique needs of each person during their training to foster personal maturity and healthy relationships.

The Diocese of Bragança Paulista is celebrating the birthdays of several priests and seminarians between September 14 and 17.

The diocese noted that the priests being honored are also celebrating the anniversaries of their priestly ordination. The announcement expressed gratitude for the priests' ministry, their celebration of the sacraments, and their pastoral care for the people of God.

The diocese also offered prayers for the seminarians as they undergo formation and discernment to serve the Church.

The Diocese of Lages and Cáritas Diocesana are praying for the life and legacy of Eliana Irene Zimmermann, known as Tia Lia, who died last Friday.

Zimmermann served as a member of the board of Cáritas Diocesana de Lages and was a dedicated volunteer. A teacher by profession, she spent much of her life involved in the pastoral and social activities of the diocese. Her service included many years on the community pastoral council for the São Vicente community, participation in family groups, and collaboration with the Centro de Formação Católica.

The diocese and Cáritas Diocesana expressed their gratitude for her commitment to evangelization, service to others, and the promotion of human dignity. They joined her family and friends in prayer following her death.

The Diocese of Bragança Paulista congratulated several priests celebrating birthdays and anniversaries of their priestly ordination this week.

The celebrations fall on September 15 and 17. The diocese expressed gratitude for the priests' dedication to the local Church through preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and leading the community with a spirit of service.

The Archdiocese of Curitiba released the latest issue of its weekly biblical and pastoral publication, O Semeador, on September 13, 2026. This edition marks the 74th number of the second year of the publication.

Produced by the Vicariate for Education, the weekly guide provides religious content for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The Diocese of Nova Iguaçu held its traditional Romaria Diocesana at the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida on Saturday, September 12. The pilgrimage brought together faithful from various parishes and communities across the Baixada Fluminense to pray and celebrate the Eucharist.

Bishop Gilson Andrade da Silva presided over the Holy Mass at the sanctuary's central altar. He was joined by bishop emeritus Luciano Bergamin and the diocesan clergy. The event, themed around renewing communion and mission, served as a continuation of the diocese's recent Diocesan Eucharistic Congress.

During his homily, Bishop Gilson described the pilgrimage as a necessary pause in the life of the Church and the individual. He stated that traveling together reminds the people of God that they are on a journey and that no one walks the roads of life alone. The celebration was also available to those at home through the sanctuary's communication channels.

The Diocese of Caetité held a training session for agents on how to use artificial intelligence within the Church. The meeting, organized by the diocesan Pascom, took place on Saturday, September 12, at the São Joaquim Diocesan Pastoral Center in Caetité.

More than 60 agents representing 34 parishes attended the event. Father Igor Gonçalves, an ecclesiastical assistant for Pascom in the Diocese of Camaçari and a professor at the Catholic University of Salvador, led the training. He discussed the challenges of using AI and how to use the technology without losing the intelligence of the Gospel.

Father Gonçalves explained that generative AI works by recomposing patterns from internet data rather than possessing local knowledge. He noted that AI does not know specific local figures, such as Dom Carvalho or the priests, and instead produces statistical averages. The training included instruction on how to use AI tools to produce results without distortions of images and reality.

Archbishop Manoel Delson of Paraíba is participating in the Franciscan Jubilee Year celebrations in Assisi, Italy. Following a meeting with Pope Leo XIV in Rome, the archbishop joined Capuchin bishops from around the world for a gathering in the city.

On Thursday, September 10, Archbishop Delson visited the Basilica of Santa Maria dos Anjos to pray at the Porciúncula. He joined friars at the site to pray Vespers and participate in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Porciúncula is a significant location in Franciscan history, as it was the first church restored by Saint Francis.

Cardinal Sergio da Rocha presided over the opening Mass for the 60th Regional Assembly of the Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB) Regional Nordeste 3 in Salvador. The assembly, which runs from September 12 to 13, focuses on the theme of consecrated religious life being called to be born again.

During his homily, Cardinal da Rocha, the Archbishop of São Salvador da Bahia, compared religious congregations and individual vocations to trees. He stated that members should examine the fruits of their own lives, missions, and communities to understand their impact. He added that religious life is not lived in isolation and that being together helps produce these fruits.

The Cardinal also noted that communities can overcome challenges when their vocations are built on faith in God and Christ. The assembly uses the story of Nicodemus as a guide for its reflections.

Bishop Gilson Meurer of the Diocese of Lages joined 147 bishops from five continents for an annual training course for recently appointed bishops in the Vatican. The program, organized by the Dicastery for Bishops and the Dicastery for Evangelization, provided study and dialogue to help new bishops prepare for pastoral service in their assigned dioceses.

Among the participants were 14 Brazilian bishops from various regions of the country. During the course, the group studied topics related to the episcopal mission and the contemporary state of the Church.

On Thursday, September 10, the participants met with Pope Leo XIV. During the meeting, the Pope spoke about the necessity of a united Church and an episcopate that works in communion with the people of God, stating that no bishop walks alone.

The Diocese of Erexim released its weekly newsletter detailing several upcoming religious activities and meetings scheduled for the week of September 13, 2026.

The schedule includes a Crismas at the N. Sra. das Dores church in Capoerê this Sunday at 09h, led by Monsenhor Agostinho Francisco Dors. Additional Crismas masses will take place at the Santa Luzia parish headquarters in the Bairro Atlântico of Erechim on Saturday at 16h and 19h30, and Sunday at 09h. The 39th Romaria a Nossa Senhora da Santa Cruz will also occur this Sunday at Lajeado Paca on the estrada de Erechim a Aratiba.

On Tuesday, the diocese will hold the 18th annual meeting for parish secretaries, seminary staff, and Curia employees at the Calgarotto 2 restaurant. Because of this meeting, parish offices, the seminary, and the Curia will be closed for business. On Wednesday, priests from the Área Pastoral de Erexim will meet at 08h30 in the Curia meeting room.

A biblical formation session regarding the book of the prophet Daniel will take place Thursday from 19h30 to 21h30 at the Auditório São José. Pe. Jair Carlesso will lead the session, which is open to all, particularly leaders, ministers, and deacons from diocesan communities.

Paróquia São Francisco de Assis in Guanambi conducted a mission to visit families, the elderly, and the sick from September 5 to 7, 2026. The Diocese of Caetité stated the mission aligned with the Franciscan Holy Year and the Diocesan Year of the Family to strengthen the parish community's commitment to evangelization and family care.

The mission began on the evening of September 4 with a formation and sending session for missionaries. During the following days, groups visited various communities in the parish's urban area to offer prayer and support. Missionaries met with people who often cannot participate regularly in community life, using the visits to listen to parishioners and announce the Gospel.

The Irmãs Terciárias Franciscanas Regulares, the Irmãs Pequenas Filhas de São José, members of COMIPA, and other missionaries assisted with the visits and provided support to the mission teams. Parish priest Father Leandro Martins also joined the activities on September 7 to visit families and strengthen pastoral presence.

Dom Gil Antônio Moreira, the Archbishop Emeritus of Juiz de Fora, is leading a retreat for the priests of the Diocese of Santo Amaro.

The retreat entered its second day on September 11, 2026. The priests are participating in a period of prayer and silence intended to provide time for listening and renewal in their priestly ministry.

Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laypeople began the 61st Regional Pastoral Assembly of the CNBB Nordeste 2 on Wednesday, September 9, in Lagoa Seca, Paraíba. The gathering at the Santo Antônio – Ipuarana Convent brought together approximately 150 participants from 21 dioceses across Alagoas, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte.

The opening prayer service included a candle ceremony where participants held lights to prepare for discussions regarding the new Diretrizes Gerais da Ação Evangelizadora da Igreja no Brasil.

Bishop Dulcênio Fontes de Matos of the Diocese of Campina Grande, the assembly host, said the event is an experience of the Church for collective listening, reflection, and discernment. He stated that what is prayed, heard, shared, and decided should reach dioceses, parishes, communities, and the lives of the people.

Bishop José Aristeu visited the Sant’Ana, Nossa Senhora das Graças, and Sagrado Coração de Jesus parishes in Bambuí from September 1 to September 9. The diocesan bishop met with the three communities to participate in celebrations, formation sessions, and meetings with parishioners.

The visit included priests Valter Valério Gonçalves, Denison Carlos Nascimento Costa, and Roger Evangelista Rodrigues. According to the Diocese of Luz, the schedule focused on listening to the communities and strengthening the ties between the local parishes.

Bishop José Negri presided over the opening Mass for the 20th anniversary of Summer Beats at the Interlagos Autodrome on September 13, an event organized by the Diocese of Santo Amaro that gathered more than 80,000 people.

Bishop Antonio Tourinho Neto of Cruz das Almas published a new decree of appointment.