Bishop of Viana do Castelo
Msgr. João Evangelista Pimentel Lavrador was born on February 18, 1956, in Seixo, in the municipality of Mira and the Diocese of Coimbra. Following his priestly ordination in Coimbra on June 14, 1981, he was assigned as an associate pastor at the Pombal parish, where he dedicated himself especially to youth ministry. In 1984, while working at the Diocesan Secretariat for Youth Ministry, he proved to be a valuable collaborator to the Bishop. In 1986, he joined the Presbyteral Council and was chosen as its secretary. In September 1988, he went to Salamanca, where he obtained a Licentiate degree in Dogmatic Theology. On September 24, 1991, he was appointed Rector of the Coimbra Seminary, completing his doctorate in 1993. On September 21, 1997, he assumed the role of Pro-Vicar General of the Diocese and was designated a member and secretary of the Episcopal Council. On October 19, 1998, he was appointed Director of the Justice and Peace University Institute and coordinator of university pastoral care in Coimbra. On August 11, 1999, he was named a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter and Chaplain of the Carmelite Convent in Coimbra. Meanwhile, the Portuguese Episcopal Conference appointed him Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Culture, Cultural Heritage, and Social Communications. On May 7, 2008, he was appointed Titular Bishop of Luperciana and Auxiliary Bishop of Porto. On September 29, 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Angra. Since 2017, he has served as President of the Episcopal Commission for Culture, Cultural Heritage, and Social Communications. He was appointed Bishop of Viana do Castelo on September 21, 2021, the liturgical feast of Saint Matthew.