Monsignor Manuel José Vilar, longtime Meadela priest, dies at 82

Monsignor Manuel José da Costa Azevedo Vilar, the longtime parish priest of Meadela in Viana do Castelo, has died at the age of 82. The Diocese of Viana do Castelo confirmed his passing on Sunday.

Born in Nogueira, Vilar was ordained a priest in 1967 at the Sanctuary of Sameiro in Braga. He served as the parish priest of Santa Cristina da Meadela for nearly 57 years, having taken office in October 1969. His tenure was noted for the renewal of the community, the modernization of parish spaces, and the promotion of lay participation and youth initiatives.

In 1994, Pope John Paul II named him a Chaplain to His Holiness, granting him the title of Monsignor. Beyond his local work, he held several diocesan roles, including membership in the Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors. In 2020, he was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Viana do Castelo in recognition of his decades of service to the community.