Monsignor Manuel José da Costa Azevedo Vilar passed away at the age of 82, founder and assistant of Group 348 of Meadela, in Viana do Castelo. Born on October 5, 1943, in the parish of São João Baptista de Nogueira, he was ordained a priest on September 14, 1967, at the shrine of Sameiro, and arrived at the parish of Santa Cristina da Meadela in October 1969, where he remained as parish priest for nearly 57 years until his death.
Group 348 of Meadela, which he founded on September 19, 1971, decreed seven days of mourning in his memory. In a statement of condolence, the group remembered the priest for his strong involvement in the formation of young people and his connection to the scouting community, considering scouting "a wonderful path to form truly Christian and happy young people." The leadership also thanked him for "the witness of his friendship and his kind heart."
Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to various apostolic movements, with special emphasis on Catholic Scouting, the Legion of Mary, and the Cursillos de Cristiandad. Since 1979, he had been a diocesan consultant and member of the Presbyteral Council. In 1994, he was appointed as a chaplain to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, receiving the title of Monsignor. In January 2020, he received the title of Citizen of Honour from the Municipal Chamber of Viana do Castelo, in recognition of over 50 years of dedication to the community.
