Vital Maria Gonçalves de Oliveira

Dom Vital

Dom Vital or Vital Maria Gonçalves de Oliveira (1844 - 1878) was the Bishop of Olinda^[1] who was imprisoned during the crisis of the Religious Question.^[2]

Dom Vital was born in Parahyba. He started studying for the priesthood in Olinda's diocesan seminary continuing his studies at the Saint-Sulpice Seminary in Paris. He became a Capuchin friar in 1863 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1868 in Toulouse. He returned to Brazil where he taught in São Paulo's diocesan seminary.^[3]

He was chosen by the imperial government in 1871 to fill the vacant see of Olinda. Although reluctant to become a bishop the Pope, Pius IX, confirmed the appointment.^[4] He became a bishop in 1872.^[5]

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