𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝘽𝙇𝙄𝙉𝘿 𝙈𝘼𝙉 𝙄𝙉 𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙐𝙂𝘼𝙇 𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝘼 𝙋𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎𝙏 (𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔)

 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝘽𝙇𝙄𝙉𝘿 𝙈𝘼𝙉 𝙄𝙉 𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙐𝙂𝘼𝙇 𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝘼 𝙋𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎𝙏 (𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔).... 

Father Tiago Varandas, aged 35, was born with congenital glaucoma which gradually impaired his vision. However, this did not deter him from pursuing his dreams and ambitions. He initially pursued a course in History and aspired to become a teacher. Later on, he felt called to the priesthood.

The ordination of Father Tiago Varandas, the first blind priest in the country, took place under the guidance of the Archbishop of Braga. This moment was deemed significant as it posed a challenge not only for society but also for the Catholic Church.

Archbishop D. Jorge Ortiga emphasized that it is not the ordinal of being the first or second that matters in this context. Rather, what remains important is the acknowledgement that the call of God extends to everyone, irrespective of their individual limitations.

José Carriço, a relative of Father Tiago Varandas who attended the ordination, expressed his belief that completing six years of Theology, despite having a preexisting university degree, demonstrates the new priest's preparedness for the mission he was called upon by God.

The Bishop further underlined that this ordination serves as a call to raise awareness and consciousness, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, hold value in society, just like everyone else.

Currently, the Archbishop of Braga envisions Father Tiago Varandas taking on the responsibility of coordinating two departments: Christian education for adults, and the ministry involving people with disabilities. Additionally, Father Tiago Varandas will also be involved in the tasks related to the reception of individuals and the administration of the sacrament of confession.

Follow for more