Bishop Fernando Arêas Rifan

Rifan was born on October 25, 1950, in São Fidélis, in the Diocese of Campos; after completing his elementary studies at the "Maria Imaculada" Diocesan Minor Seminary, he pursued courses in philosophy and theology from 1968 to 1974 at the Major Seminary of Campos. He was ordained a priest on December 8, 1974, and subsequently held the following positions: secretary to the diocesan bishop (1975–1976); diocesan consultor (1975–1982); pastor of the "Nossa Senhora do Rosário" parish in the city of Campos (1976–1986); director and teacher at the "Três Pastorinhos" school in Campos (1983–2002); and representative of the "São João Maria Vianney" Priestly Union in negotiations with the Holy See regarding reception into full ecclesial communion (2001). He is currently the Vicar General of the Personal Apostolic Administration.