Bishop of Brejo
Father José Valdeci Santos Mendes was born on September 12, 1961, in Coroatá. He pursued his studies in Philosophy at the *Universidade Estadual do Ceará* in Fortaleza and in Theology at the *Instituto de Estudos Superiores do Maranhão* in São Luís do Maranhão. He subsequently obtained a degree in Philosophy from the *Universidade Estadual do Ceará* and a specialization in Biblical Theology from the *Instituto Santo Inácio* (run by the Society of Jesus) in Belo Horizonte. He was ordained a priest on December 11, 1994, and incardinated into the clergy of the Diocese of Coroatá. Following his ordination, he held the following positions within the diocese: Parochial Vicar (1994–1997) and later Parish Priest (1997–2001) of São Mateus Parish in the town of the same name; Parochial Vicar (1995–2001) and later Parish Priest (2001–2004) of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição" Parish in Alto Alegre; and Coordinator of the priestly team for the parishes of Arari and Miranda do Norte (2005–2008). Since 2007, he has served as Rector of the Diocese of Coroatá’s seminary in São Luís do Maranhão; since 2008, he has been the Parish Priest of "Nossa Senhora da Graça" Parish in Arari and the Diocesan Coordinator for Pastoral Care. Additionally, he is a member of the College of Consultors and the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Coroatá.