Archbishop of Porto Alegre
Jaime Spengler, O.F.M., was born on September 6, 1960, in Blumenau, in the State of Santa Catarina and the diocese of the same name. He completed his Franciscan postulancy in Guaratinguetá (1981) and his novitiate in Rodeio (1982); he made his solemn profession in 1985 and was ordained a priest on November 17, 1990. He pursued his philosophy studies at the São Boaventura Philosophical Institute in Campo Largo and his theology studies first at the Franciscan Theological Institute in Petrópolis (1986–1987) and later at the Theological Institute in Jerusalem (1987–1990), where he obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture. Subsequently, he earned a degree in Philosophy in Rome at the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum (1995–1998). He held the following positions: Professor at the Franciscan Novitiate in Rodeio and Master of Postulants (1990); Professor at the Postulancy and Parochial Vicar in Guaratinguetá (1991–1994); Professor and Vice-Rector of the São Boaventura Institute of Philosophy in Campo Largo (2000–2003); Religious Assistant to the Brazilian Federation of Conceptionist Sisters (2001–2002); Local Superior and Parochial Vicar of the Senhor Bom Jesus Parish in the Archdiocese of Curitiba (2004–2006); Professor of Philosophy at the São Boaventura Faculty in Curitiba (2000–2003); and Vice-President of the Senhor Bom Jesus Franciscan Education Association in Campo Largo and Guardian of the local friary. On November 10, 2010, he was appointed Titular Bishop of Patara and Auxiliary Bishop of Porto Alegre. He received episcopal ordination on February 5, 2011. He currently serves as Episcopal Vicar for the Gravataí Region of the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre, a member of the CNBB Commission for Ordained Ministries and Consecrated Life, the Bishop responsible for the CNBB Sub-commission for Consecrated Life, and President of the Regional Commission of Presbyters for the CNBB’s "Sul 3" Region.