Bishop Virgilio do Nascimento Antunes

Virgilio do Nascimento Antunes was born on September 22, 1961, in São Mamede (Batalha), in the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima. After studying at the Diocesan Seminary of Leiria (1971–1978), he pursued philosophical and theological studies at the Institute of Theological Studies in Coimbra (1978–1984). He also attended the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, where he obtained a Licentiate in Biblical Exegesis (1992–1996), as well as the École Biblique in Jerusalem. He collaborated on a new edition of the Bible, translating the Letter to the Hebrews from Greek and providing commentary on it. He was ordained a priest on September 29, 1985. During his ministry, he held the following positions: Professor at the Diocesan Seminary of Leiria, member of the Diocesan Secretariat for Vocational Pastoral Care, and Director of the Pre-Seminary (1985–1992); Lecturer in Biblical Theology at the Higher Institute of Theological Studies in Coimbra, the Center for Formation and Culture in Leiria, and the Diocesan Seminary of Leiria (1996–2005); Rector of the Diocesan Seminary of Leiria (1996–2005); Director of the weekly newspaper *O Mensageiro* (2000–2005); member of the College of Consultors (2001); Episcopal Delegate for the Permanent Diaconate (2005–2008); Judge at the Diocesan Tribunal (2000–2008); and Chaplain of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (2005–2008). He is currently the Rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.