Bishop João Muniz Alves

João Muniz Alves, O.F.M., was born on January 8, 1961, in Carema, in the municipality of Santa Rita, within the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão. He made his first religious vows in the Order of Friars Minor on February 2, 1986, and his solemn vows on January 14, 1991. He was ordained a priest on September 4, 1993. He completed courses in Philosophy (1986–1988) and Theology (1989–1992) at the *Sagrado Coração de Jesus* Major Seminary in Teresina. Furthermore, he obtained a Licentiate (2004) and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical University Antonianum (2006–2008), as well as a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Alfonsianum (2005–2007). During his priestly ministry, he has held the following positions: Parochial Vicar of São José parish in Lago da Pedra, Diocese of Bacabal (1993–1994); Parochial Vicar of São Francisco das Chagas parish and Assistant Master of Postulants in Bacabal (1994–1995); Pastor of São Francisco das Chagas parish (1995–1998) and Master of Postulants in Bacabal (1995–2001); Definitor of the Franciscan Vice-Province of *Nossa Senhora da Assunção*, based in Bacabal (1995–2001); Member of the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Bacabal (2007); Provincial Minister in Bacabal (2007–2013); and General Visitor of the Franciscan Province of Mozambique (2014). He currently exercises his ministry as Guardian of the Franciscan Community in São Luís do Maranhão, as well as Parochial Vicar, formator, and professor of Moral Theology.