Catholic leaders hold Pastoral Familiar Congress in Volta Redonda

The XI Congress of the Pastoral Familiar for Sector Leste 1 was held in Volta Redonda, Brazil, from September 11 to 13. Presided over by Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, the event focused on the role of the family as a guardian of faith amidst social and cultural changes. The congress included various religious leaders and representatives from several Catholic movements, such as the Encontro de Casais com Cristo and Equipes de Nossa Senhora. It was announced that Rio de Janeiro will host the next congress in 2029.

In a separate development, Dom Luiz Henrique da Silva Brito, Bishop of the Diocese of Barra do Piraí and Volta Redonda, met with the Pope at the Vatican. During the audience, the Bishop presented the initiative for the Diocesan Year of the Family and delivered a Pastoral Letter detailing the diocese's work across its 12 municipalities. This meeting follows a previous encounter in November 2025, where the Bishop requested prayers for the State of Rio de Janeiro.