Archbishop of Diamantina
Darci José Nicioli, C.SS.R., was born on May 1, 1959, in the city of Jacutinga, in the Archdiocese of Pouso Alegre, in the state of Minas Gerais. As a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), he made his first profession on January 31, 1982, and was ordained a priest on March 8, 1986. He completed his philosophy studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (1977–1980) and his theology studies at the ITESP – São Paulo Theological Institute (1982–1985). He also obtained a Licentiate in Sacramental Theology from the Pontifical Atheneum of Saint Anselm in Rome (1986–1988). During his ministry, he has held the following positions: Parochial Vicar of the Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro parish in São Paulo (1988–1989); Professor of Theology at the São Paulo Theological Institute (ITESP), the Nossa Senhora da Assunção Faculty of Theology, and the Institute of Theology and Religious Sciences of the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (1989–1990); Rector of the Philosophy Seminary in Campinas (1989–1996); Parochial Vicar of the São José Operário parish in Campinas (1990–1996); Superior of the religious community in Campinas (1996); Administrator of the National Shrine of Aparecida (1997–2005); Provincial Councilor of the Redemptorist Province of São Paulo (2003); and Superior of the Congregation’s General House in Rome (2005–2008). He is currently the Rector and Administrator of the National Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida in the Archdiocese of Aparecida, as well as the Superior of the local religious community and Redemptorist Vice-Provincial.