Bishop D. Vitorino Soares takes office in Diocese of Faro

Bishop Vitorino Soares began his ministry as the bishop of the Diocese of Faro on September 19. During the installation Mass at the Faro Cathedral, Soares became the 34th bishop of the diocese since the episcopal see moved from Silves to Faro in 1577.

The Apostolic Nuncio, Andrés Carrascosa Coso, accompanied Soares from the Episcopal Palace to the cathedral. Other attendees included the Archbishop of Évora, Francisco Senra Coelho, and Apostolic Administrator Manuel Quintas. Soares made a profession of faith and an oath of fidelity before sitting in the cathedra to complete his canonical installation.

In his homily, Soares described his new role as a pastoral challenge and a missionary opportunity. He stated that he arrived to serve the work of God rather than to begin a personal project, adding that governing is an act of care rather than power.