ANTÔNIO FERREIRA VIÇOSO, CM
(1787-1875)
Antônio Ferreira Viçoso was born into a pious Christian family on 13 May 1787 in Peniche, in the province of Leiria, Portugal. At the age of 15, he was received into the Diocesan Seminary of Santarém, where he remained until 1809. He returned to his family and, on 11 July 1811, was received into the Internal Seminary of Rilhafoles (Lisbon), as a Vincentian missionary. In deciding for Saint Vincent’s missionaries, he was attracted by their observance, zeal for the reform of morals, and fervor for the salvation of the poor. Ordained a priest on 7 March 1818, he taught philosophy in the seminary of Evora. A year later, he was sent as a missionary to Brazil, with Father Leandro Rebelo Peixoto e Castro, with whom he founded the first Brazilian Province. From 1820-1843, he worked as an educator in the boarding schools of Caraça, Jacuecanga, and Campo Belo, and as a missionary in several parishes in the province (now state) of Minas Gerais.
In 1843, he was appointed Bishop of Mariana, where he remained until his death (1875).
When Bishop Viçoso was appointed bishop, everyone recognized his maturity, his ecclesiastical knowledge, his familiarity with the art of governing and directing souls, the Christian and priestly virtues of which he was an accomplished model, his affability, gentleness, ability, prudence, and integrity, his strength and gentleness in carrying out his duties, and his vast experience and knowledge of the problems of the diocese in whose territory he had carried out his ministry until then. He dedicated himself to the reform of the clergy, animated religious life, built schools and nursery schools, defended the autonomy of the Church against the abusive interventions of the civil power (Patronage regime), and against the aggressions of liberalism and Freemasonry.
He also took care of orphans, the elderly, nuns, sick priests, and the restoration of churches and monasteries. His final recommendations: always protect and never abandon the poor orphans and the sick.
He died in 1875, and his memory has been kept very vivid among the people.
On 8 July 2014, the Holy Father authorized the promulgation of the Decree on the heroicity of his virtues.
Prayer to obtain graces through the intercession of the Venerable Antonio Ferreira Viçoso:
Lord Jesus Christ, glory of Your priests, Good Shepherd who gave Your life for Your sheep, we thank You for the virtues and gifts with which You deigned to adorn the soul of the great Bishop, Antonio Ferreira Viçoso, to make him a shining model of defender of the Church, reformer of the clergy, and sanctifier of the Christian people. You, who glorify those who serve You, deign to glorify with the honor of the altars, if this is for the greater glory of the Most Holy Trinity and the honor of Your priesthood, this servant of Yours, and grant us for this purpose, through his intercession united with You, the grace that we confidently ask of You.
