Appointment of bishop of Caxias do Maranhão, Brazil

The Holy Father has appointed as bishop of Caxias do Maranhão, Brazil, H.E. Msgr. Sebastão Lima Duarte, transferring him from the diocese of Viana.

H.E. Msgr. Sebastão Lima Duarte

H.E. Msgr. Sebastão Lima Duarte was born on 3 April 1964, in Carutapera, in the diocese of Zè Doca, Maranhão State. He completed his studies in philosophy and in theology at the Instituto de Estudos Superiores do Maranhão (1985-1991)). He then obtained a licentiatie in patristics from the “Augustinianum” Patristic Institute in Rome (1995-1998).

He received priestly ordination on 30 November 1991 and was incardinated in the diocese of Zé Doca, where he held the following offices: parish priest of the Cathedral for two periods, diocesan administrator (2002-2004); diocesan pastoral coordinator; rector of the major seminary; coordinator of liturgical pastoral care; professor of patristics and history of the ancient Church in the Instituto de Estudos Superiores do Maranhão; vicar general and parish priest of São Sebastião in Carutapera. On 7 July 2010 he was appointed as bishop of Viana in the State of Maranhão, and received episcopal ordination the following 18 September. He has served as bishop of this see since 25 September 2010.