Bishop Virgílio Antunes names leigos and catechists

Bishop Virgílio Antunes appointed lay ministers and sent out catechists during the start of the new pastoral year in the Diocese of Coimbra on September 27, 2026. The appointments and commissions took place during the Feast of the Word at the Sé Nova before the Eucharist.

The bishop stated that the diocese operates through pastoral units rather than individual parishes to manage large territories where a single priest or two priests may serve. These units include structures such as pastoral animation teams, pastoral councils, and specific economic funds. Many men and women assumed various lay ministries following a period of formation.