Priestly Anniversary of Fr. Virgil

He was born in Proença-a-Nova (Portugal), in 1977.

Incorporated into the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 2002.

Ordained a priest in Proença a Nova on July 25, 2004.

He currently serves the Church in the parishes of Proença-a-Nova, S. Pedro and Peral. He is the director of the Jornal de Proença newspaper and chaplain of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Proença-a-Nova. He was coordinator of Youth Ministry, the J Movement, JAGAS and vocational ministry.

What does it mean to be a priest today?

It means the same as always: to offer, for oneself and for the Christian and human community, the Sacrifice of Christ in each specific time and with the community with whom one walks. It is to sanctify the People of God.

The Sacrifice of Christ is the Eucharist, and it is the life that is shared with those who need to be listened to, cared for materially and spiritually… It is imitating Jesus sacramentally and also in one's interpersonal life.

Share a detail about the Spirituality of the Most Precious Blood that you appreciate.

Just like on the day of my ordination, there was a phrase from the Gospel of Saint Luke (Lk 19:5-6): "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for I must stay at your house.".

Today I could say that Jesus tells me, “Come down quickly, for I have already shed My Blood for you too, and I want you to proclaim it with words and deeds in your community.” And to strive to be available to serve.

What mission does the Church challenge you to?

The Church of Jesus challenges me to live the mission within the paths of the Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood. This was the commitment I made. This is what I seek to live.

Currently, I am serving as the bursar for the Iberian Province CPPS (Spain, Guinea, and Portugal) and the community of Proença; I am chaplain of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Proença-a-Nova and parish priest. in solidum From the parishes of Proença, Peral and São Pedro do Esteval. It is here that I envision my mission.

In the future, I will seek to be available for other stages and other CPPS missions.