Monsignor Manuel José da Costa Azevedo Vilar passed away on September 13, at the age of 82, after serving as parish priest of Santa Cristina da Meadela for 56 years. The Diocese of Viana do Castelo announced the passing on social media, thanking God for the gift of the priest's life and his generous service to the communities.
Manuel José da Costa Azevedo Vilar was ordained a priest on September 14, 1967, at the Shrine of Sameiro in Braga, by Archbishop D. Francisco Maria da Silva. The following day, he was appointed Cooperator Vicar of São Vicente in the city of Braga, and on September 30, 1969, he was appointed parish priest of Santa Cristina da Meadela, taking office on October 12.
During nearly 57 years of parish life, he developed intense apostolic work marked by the renewal of the community, both in terms of structures and parish spaces, and in the formation and commitment of the laity. He was also committed to creating cultural and associative initiatives, with particular attention to young people, having led movements such as Catholic Scouting, the Legion of Mary, and the Cursillos de Cristandade.
The Diocese of Viana do Castelo also recalled that the monsignor was a diocesan consultant since 1979 and a member of the Presbyteral Council. He was appointed chaplain to Pope John Paul II and received the title of monsignor on November 25, 1994. On January 20, 2020, he received the title of Honorary Citizen from the Municipal Council of Viana do Castelo, for more than 50 years of dedication to the community.
