Apostolic Administrator of Rio Branco
Antônio Fontinele de Melo was born on May 9, 1968, in Camocim, in the State of Ceará (Brazil). He completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology at the São João XXIII Seminary in Porto Velho, obtaining recognition of his Philosophy degree from the Catholic University of Brasília and his Theology degree from the Centro Superior de Juiz de Fora in the State of Minas Gerais. He also pursued specializations in Educational Methodology and Sacred Scripture. He was ordained a priest on September 18, 1999, for the Archdiocese of Porto Velho. During his priestly ministry, he has held the following positions: Rector of the Dom Helder Câmara Minor Seminary (1999–2005); Parish Priest of São Cristóvão (1999–2013); President of the Presbyteral Council for the Northwest Region of the CNBB (National Conference of Bishops of Brazil); Pastoral Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Porto Velho (2005–2010); Advisor for Basic Ecclesial Communities for the Northwest Region of the CNBB; Lecturer at the São João XXIII Major Seminary of the Archdiocese of Porto Velho; Lecturer at the Claretian University Center; and Lecturer at FARO (Faculty of Rondônia). Currently, he serves as Parish Priest of the Sagrado Coração de Jesus Cathedral and as the Archdiocesan Bursar.