Frei Francisco Mafra dies at 75 after decades of service in Santa Catarina

Frei Francisco Mafra, a Franciscan religious figure affectionately known as Frei Chico, has died at the age of 75. He had been facing complications resulting from the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Over a religious career spanning 51 years, including 46 years as a priest, Mafra served various communities across the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. His pastoral work included significant tenures in Blumenau, where he served the Diocese for 16 years between 2006 and 2021. He also held positions in Porto União, Balneário Camboriú, Curitibanos, and Santo Amaro da Imperatriz.

Following the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms in 2022, he returned to the care of the Franciscan brothers. He spent his final period under specialized care at the Fraternidade São Francisco de Assis in Bragança Paulista, São Paulo.