The Bishop of Algarve, Dom Manuel Neto Quintas, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination on September 3rd of this year.
A landmark date for the Diocese of Algarve and for the entire region, which recalls a path of dedication and closeness to the Algarve communities and which deserved the attention of the Municipality of São Brás de Alportel, whose municipal executive unanimously approved, at a Council meeting on September 9, a vote of praise in his honor.
Born in Freixo de Espada à Cinta on August 27, 1949, D. Manuel Neto Quintas made his first profession of vows in 1969, in Aveiro, as a member of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was ordained a priest in 1977, in Coimbra, by Bishop João Alves.
The Algarve entered his life in June 2000, when he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Algarve by Pope John Paul II. He received episcopal ordination in the Silves Cathedral on September 3 of that same year and, in April 2004, was appointed Bishop of the Algarve, succeeding D. Manuel Madureira Dias.
The solemn entry took place on June 27, 2004.
Over the course of his 25-year episcopal mission in the Algarve, Bishop Manuel Neto Quintas distinguished himself by his spirit of service, his dedication to the formation and development of lay people, his encouragement of priestly vocations—having ordained 19 priests since 2004—and his concern for the social, pastoral, and cultural dimensions of the Church. In 2009, he created the Information Office of the Diocese of the Algarve (GIDAlg), organized conferences and seminars, strengthened the Social Pastoral Ministry, and promoted the participation of young people and families in diocesan initiatives and pilgrimages.
For the relevant services provided, the Municipality of São Brás de Alportel approved, in a Council meeting on September 9, 2025, a vote of praise to D. Manuel Neto Quintas, highlighting his example as a man and pastor:
“An example of simplicity and closeness, D. Manuel Neto Quintas leaves an indelible mark on the life of the Church and Algarve society, being recognized as a bridge builder, a promoter of inclusion and a motivator for the future.”
"His mission, lived with joyful intensity and dedication to the service of this beloved Diocese, was always guided by the greater principle of caring for others, valuing fraternity, equality, and dialogue between people," reads the vote of praise.
This recognition expresses the gratitude of the São Bras community for a quarter-century of service to the Algarve and its people, which will remain in the history of the Church and the region.
