Diocese of Formosa

Born in the city of Mara Rosa, in the state of Goiás, in 1960, Dom Adair entered the Brasília Seminary at the age of 20, where he completed his secondary education and the initial years of his philosophy studies. In 1982, he completed his course at the John Paul II Institute of Philosophy, part of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. He also studied Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) and holds a specialization in Matrimonial Canon Law from the São Bento Faculty of Rio de Janeiro. Ordained a priest on December 21, 1986, he served as parish priest at the Uruaçu Cathedral (1987–1998), at St. Anthony Parish in Mara Rosa (1999–2005), and at Our Lady of Aparecida Parish in Minaçu (GO). Dom Adair also served as rector of the Uruaçu Seminary; head of the diocese's Vocations and Youth Ministry; diocesan pastoral coordinator; and president of the Organization of Seminaries and Philosophical-Theological Institutes of Brazil (OSIB), among other roles. On February 27, 2008, he was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Rubiataba-Mozarlândia by Pope Benedict XVI. His installation as the diocese's third bishop took place on May 25, 2008. Having served as Apostolic Administrator—first *sede plena* and later *sede vacante*—of the Diocese of Formosa (GO) since March 2018, this situation now takes on new meaning, as Pope Francis appointed its new diocesan shepherd on February 27. Now, the focus turns to preparing for and awaiting the installation of the man who will guide the pastoral future of this important diocese in the state of Goiás. On behalf of the Diocese of Formosa—its priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, and the entire people of God—we welcome with great joy and anticipation the one "who comes in the name of the Lord." Dom Adair José Guimarães, Formosa opens its heart to a new experience of Church and is committed to making every effort to receive the fruitfulness of the Spirit's action through your pastoral leadership. Throughout the course of time—speaking of the life of the Church, and especially of a particular Church—there are always important and indelible historical marks. Yet, because the Church is an entity that is both holy and sinful—carrying out actions that are positive as well as negative—true learning takes place in both instances. People and realities leave behind legacies that enrich everyone's lives. The Diocese of Formosa—with its 33 parishes, a presbyterate of over 40 priests, various religious communities, and a very welcoming people of deep faith—is further enriched by the presence of Dom Adair. Come with the deep assurance that you will be warmly welcomed and supported in the various pastoral initiatives of our time. The presence of the Diocesan Bishop is the presence of one of the Lord's Apostles. Dom Adair is the new apostle, chosen with discernment, great effort, and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit to build the Kingdom of God within this portion of the Church. All communities must stand in solidarity with him and remain ever mindful that his work holds an eternal dimension. Welcome, Dom Adair. We all welcome you with affection, eager to see a Church grounded in the guidance of the apostles—a Church that is alive and strengthened in hope. May you enjoy the protection of our patroness, the Immaculate Conception—she who was present at every moment, accompanying the journey of Jesus Christ, her Son. May she protect your pastoral ministry and the entire Diocese. Dom Paulo Mendes Peixoto, Archbishop of Uberaba (MG) and Apostolic Administrator of Formosa (GO).