Bishop Virgílio Antunes says Diocese of Coimbra is fully programmed in pastoral units

Bishop Virgílio Antunes said the Diocese of Coimbra is now organized around pastoral units rather than individual parishes to better manage large territories. Speaking during the Feast of the Word at the Sé Nova, the bishop noted that while the transition has faced some difficulties, the diocese functions through these units using specific structures including parish priests, pastoral animation teams, pastoral councils, and economic funds.

The new pastoral year began with an Eucharist where lay ministers were appointed and catechists were sent out following a period of formation. Bishop Antunes explained that because a single priest or two priests often oversee very large areas, these pastoral units require numerous lay ministries and services to function effectively. The bishop also stated that the upcoming year aims to deepen the knowledge of the Word of God through the creation of biblical groups.