Bishop of Guaxupé
José Lanza Neto was born on December 31, 1952, in Pirangi (SP). The son of Osvaldo Lanza and Palmira Bobato Lanza, he has four siblings: Genésio, Ivone, Alice, and Ângelo. He completed his secondary education in Jaboticabal (SP). He studied Philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters of the *Faculdades Associadas do Ipiranga* (SP) and Theology at the *Nossa Senhora da Assunção* Faculty of Theology, also in São Paulo. On August 2, 1980, he was ordained a deacon in his hometown. On October 31, 1980, he was ordained a priest, also in Pirangi (SP). He served as parochial vicar of the *Senhor Bom Jesus* Parish in Monte Alto (1980–1983); rector of the *Nossa Senhora do Carmo* Major Seminary of the Diocese of Jaboticabal and diocesan coordinator of Youth Ministry (1983–1985); pastor of the *São Benedito* Parish in Jaboticabal (1985–1992); parochial vicar of the *São Sebastião* Parish in Taquaritinga (1992–1995); member of the formation team for the Diocese of Jaboticabal (1995–2002); and pastor of the *Senhor Bom Jesus* Parish in Monte Alto (1995–2004). On June 23, 2004, he was appointed Titular Bishop of Mades and Auxiliary Bishop of Londrina (PR). On September 19, 2004, the Diocese of Jaboticabal (SP) celebrated the episcopal ordination of the then-Monsignor José Lanza Neto, who had been appointed by Pope John Paul II. The ceremony took place at the Jaboticabal Sports Gymnasium, attended by a large number of the faithful who came to greet the new bishop. Representatives from the clergy, religious orders, and the laity from Londrina were also present, joining Dom Albano Cavallin in expressing their joy at welcoming the long-awaited auxiliary bishop. The solemn Eucharistic celebration of ordination was presided over by Dom Antônio Fernando Brochini, CSS, Bishop of Jaboticabal, accompanied by the city's Bishop Emeritus, Dom Luiz Eugênio Perez, and by Dom Albano Bortoletto Cavallin. Addressing those present, Dom Lanza expressed gratitude for the trust Pope John Paul II had placed in him. He also thanked his parents for the religious upbringing he received, which strengthened his vocation to the priesthood. Dom Lanza remarked that this was a very special moment in his life, as it marked the beginning of a new mission that would allow him to experience the fullness of priestly ministry. In his role as auxiliary bishop—serving under both Dom Albano and Dom Orlando—Dom José Lanza provided pastoral collaboration in various ways. His responsibilities primarily included overseeing seminary formation and nurturing the spirituality of the pastoral center's staff. He also assisted with pastoral coordination, deanery meetings, and pastoral visits. He contributed to drafting new guidelines for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and led the youth ministry. On June 13, 2007, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Guaxupé. Having been vacant for nine months, the diocese eagerly awaited the arrival of its new bishop. The joyful announcement was made by the diocesan administrator, Father José Augusto da Silva, on the morning of June 13 during a Eucharistic celebration at the Diocesan Cathedral. Dom José Lanza's appointment was a cause for celebration among Catholics. On the beautiful morning of Sunday, July 22, during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows (Nossa Senhora das Dores), Dom Lanza was installed as Bishop of Guaxupé. Numerous bishops, archbishops, priests, religious, seminarians, and laypeople were in attendance. At the beginning of the celebration, Father Antonio Carlos Maia, the diocesan chancellor, read the decree appointing His Excellency as Bishop of Guaxupé. Afterwards, Dom Ricardo Pedro Chaves Pinto Filho, O.Praem, Metropolitan Archbishop of Pouso Alegre (MG), handed the pastoral staff to Dom Lanza, who was fraternally welcomed by priests representing the diocese’s presbyterate and by lay members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. In an article, Father Robison Inácio de Souza states that “Dom José Lanza—following the example of his patron saint, Saint Joseph—is a simple, humble, and approachable man of deep faith. We are deeply grateful to God for providing us with a shepherd ‘after His own heart’ (Jer 3:15). We wish our diocesan bishop a long life and a fruitful episcopal ministry! May his presence and pastoral work among us strengthen our faith, lead us to love the Church even more, and guide us along the straight path to heaven. Dom José Lanza Neto, *ad multos annos*!” Priestly ordination: October 31, 1980.