Bishop Dulcênio Fontes de Matos

Dulcênio Fontes de Matos was born on October 19, 1958, in Lagarto, in the Diocese of Estância, in the State of Sergipe. After completing his preparatory studies in his hometown, he pursued philosophy studies at the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Major Seminary in Brasília (1980–1982) and theology studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (1983–1985) as a student of the São José Archdiocesan Seminary. He obtained a specialization in Philosophy from the Vale do Acaraú State University in Fortaleza (1994–1995) and another in Canon Law from the Institute of Canon Law in Rio de Janeiro. He was ordained a priest on December 14, 1985, and incardinated into the Diocese of Estância. As a priest, he held the following positions: Parochial Vicar in Lagarto (1986–1987) and Parish Priest in Umbaúba (1987–1992); Cathedral Parish Priest, member of the Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors, as well as Professor of Theology and Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Care (1992–2001). He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Aracaju on April 18, 2001, and received episcopal ordination on June 16 of that year. On July 12, 2006, he was appointed Bishop of Palmeira dos Índios.