Bishop Juraci Gomes de Oliveira

Juraci Gomes de Oliveira was born on August 19, 1956, in Catolé do Rocha, in the Diocese of Cajazeiras and the State of Paraíba. He pursued his studies in Philosophy and Theology at the Catholic University of Pernambuco in Recife (PE) and obtained a Licentiate in Marriage and Family Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute (Salvador-BA branch). He was ordained a priest on November 3, 1990. He is incardinated in the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia, where he has held the following positions: Parish Priest of Santa Teresa d’Ávila, São José de Amaraina, Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, and Santo Amaro; Chaplain of the churches of Nossa Senhora da Palma and Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Lapa; Parish Administrator of Santo André; Vicar Forane; Episcopal Vicar; Spiritual Director of the Major Seminary; Professor at the Catholic University of Salvador and the Faculty of São Bento (both in Salvador-BA); Moderator of the Archdiocesan Curia; Member of the Chapter of Canons, the College of Consultors, and the Council for Economic Affairs; Administrative Director of the Archdiocesan Social Action; and, until now, Vicar General. Canon Juraci Gomes de Oliveira is the son of Vicente Gomes de Oliveira and Rita Maria de Alencar. He was born on August 19, 1956, in Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba. He entered the Capuchin Seminary in Maceió (AL), where he completed his secondary education. Later, he was transferred to Natal (RN) and subsequently to Recife (PE), where he studied Philosophy and Theology. He completed his theological training outside the seminary. In 1987, he returned to seminary life by joining the Society of the Joseleitos of Christ in the city of Tucano (BA). He was ordained a deacon on August 12, 1990, by Dom Mário Zanetta, then Bishop of Paulo Afonso (BA). His priestly ordination took place later that same year, on November 3, at the parish church of Senhora Sant’Ana in Tucano, at the hands of Dom Jackson Berenguer Prado, Bishop Emeritus of Paulo Afonso. Father Juraci holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Licentiate in Philosophy, with a specialization in Biblical Spirituality and a Master’s degree in the Theology of Marriage and Family. He has exercised his priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Salvador following his departure from the Society of the Joseleitos of Christ in December 1991 and his incardination into the Primate Archdiocese of Brazil. In the capital of Bahia, he has served as a parish priest, parish administrator, chaplain, spiritual director of the Central Seminary of Bahia, ecclesiastical assistant for the Charismatic Renewal and the Men’s Rosary Prayer Group, as well as a vicar forane and episcopal vicar. Prior to his priesthood, he worked in the field of education in Pernambuco. He also taught Theology at the Catholic University of Salvador and at the São Bento College in Salvador. Currently, he serves as Vicar General, Moderator of the Metropolitan Curia, a member of the Metropolitan Chapter and the College of Consultors, Administrative Director of the Archdiocesan Social Action, Chaplain of the Holy Family Church (the Curia church), spiritual director of the Central Seminary of Bahia, and a member of the Metropolitan Curia’s finance team.