Historic Ordination: D. José Miguel Pereira Becomes New Bishop of Guarda

A Significant Event in Guarda

On March 16, 2025, the Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Rui Valério, presided over the ordination of D. José Miguel Pereira, marking a pivotal moment for the Diocese of Guarda. The ceremony highlighted the rich ecclesiastical history of the region.

"Today, in Guarda, you are the privileged interlocutor to engage with the rich history of this diocese, which is written with holiness, spiritual heroism, and missionary zeal, in the hearts of every Christian," said the main ordaining bishop during the homily.

Celebratory Details

The ordination was coordinated by D. Manuel Felício, the emeritus bishop of Guarda, and Cardinal D. Manuel Clemente, the emeritus patriarch of Lisbon. D. Rui Valério emphasized that this event, celebrated in the context of a jubilee pilgrimage of hope, finds the new bishop ready to share the struggles and challenges faced by the community.

Photo: Agência ECCLESIA/LFS – D. Rui Valério

D. Rui Valério further reflected on the role of the new bishop, stating, "In service and gift, you realize the mediation between humanity and God; between temporality and eternal life; between history and beatitude."

A Call to Action

As a messenger and prophet of a new world, D. José Miguel Pereira is called to encourage all to be guided by the force of love and to become pilgrims of hope. D. Rui Valério urged the new bishop to foster a new culture woven with holiness, the presence of God, and universal brotherhood.

D. José Miguel Pereira, 53, officially took office as the new bishop after his ordination. He has been a priest since June 29, 1996, and has served as the rector of the Major Seminary of Christ the King in Lisbon since 2011. Previously, he held various roles in seminaries and contributed to the pastoral ministry in neighboring parishes.