Dear Confreres,

I'm pleased to be able to notify you that the Holy See today officially announced the nomination of Fr. Geraldo Dantas de Andrade, scj from the South Brazilian (BM) province as auxiliary bishop of São Luis of Maranhão (Brazil).

Fr. Geraldo was born at Irajá (Rio Janeiro state) on 21 September 1931. After his studies at the Apostolic School at Corupá he began religious life entering the novitiate at Brusque where he made his first vows in 1953. Upon completing his philosophy studies at Brusque and his theology studies at Taubaté, he was ordained priest on 18 December, 1957. A major part of his priestly life was accomplished in various parishes, e.g., São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Curitiba, and Maranhão. In 1971, he was named the delegate from the IV Sud region to the Conference of Brazilian Religious. From 1984 to 1987 he was the Coordinator of the regional community of Curitiba/Planalto in Santa Catarina. From 1991 to 1995 he was a regional councilor for the new Region of Maranhão. In 1997 he became director of the Vocation Center of São Luis, Maranhão.

The diocese of São Luis, where Fr. Geraldo will continue his work as auxiliary bishop for Archbishop Paulo Eduardo de Andrade Ponte, was established on 30 August, 1677. Its territory comprises 11,622 square kilometers, with 1,006,000 inhabitants of whom 754,000 are catholic, with 15 parishes. The pastoral and administrative structures of the diocese make use of 28 diocesan priests and 41 religious priests.

The presence of the Congregation at São Luis of Maranhão is very meaningful. Beyond being the residence of the Regional Superior, we have a philosophy house, a vocations center, and two parishes.

We thank the Lord for this sign of his grace for us and for the confidence that the Holy Father places upon our Congregation. We wish to assure the new bishop of our prayers and support so that the episcopal ministry to which he has been called bear abundant fruit for the Church and for his personal and spiritual development.

A warm greeting to all.

p. Richard Mis, scj
General Councilor