Thadeu Gomes Canellas


Thadeu Gomes Canellas
Bishop of Osório
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
ArchdiocesePorto Alegre
DioceseOsório
Appointed10 November 1999
Term ended15 November 2006
PredecessorNone (diocese established)
SuccessorJaime Pedro Kohl
Other postsTitular bishop of Iunca in Byzacena
Auxiliary Bishop of Porto Alegre (1983–1999)
Orders
Ordination25 February 1956
Consecration25 February 1984
by João Cláudio Colling, Alfredo Scherer, Edmundo Luís Kunz
Personal details
Born(1930-07-28)28 July 1930
Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Died20 January 2026(2026-01-20) (aged 95)
Osório, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
NationalityBrazilian
MottoUt testimonium perhiberet

Thadeu Gomes Canellas (28 July 1930 – 20 January 2026) was a Brazilian Roman Catholic bishop who served as the first bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Osório from its establishment in 1999 until his retirement in 2006. Prior to this he was auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Porto Alegre for sixteen years.[1]

Early life and education

Thadeu Gomes Canellas was born on 28 July 1930 in Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He pursued ecclesiastical studies in philosophy and theology and completed his priestly formation in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood on 25 February 1956.[1]

After his ordination, he returned to Brazil, where he engaged in pastoral ministry and diocesan administration within the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre.[2]

Priestly ministry

As a priest, Canellas served in parish ministry and held several leadership roles in pastoral formation. He worked in catechetical and youth apostolate programs and contributed to the organization of diocesan pastoral initiatives. His work emphasized evangelization, catechesis, and strengthening parish structures.[2]

Episcopal ministry

Auxiliary Bishop of Porto Alegre

On 19 November 1983, Canellas was appointed Titular Bishop of Iunca in Byzacena and Auxiliary Bishop of Porto Alegre by Pope John Paul II. He received episcopal consecration on 25 February 1984.[1]

As auxiliary bishop, he assisted the archbishop in pastoral governance, clergy formation, and diocesan administration. He participated in regional and national meetings of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB).[2]

Bishop of Osório

With the establishment of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Osório on 10 November 1999, Canellas was appointed its first diocesan bishop.[1]

During his episcopate, he was responsible for organizing the new diocese's administrative and pastoral structures, including the diocesan curia, presbyteral council, and pastoral programs. His leadership focused on strengthening parish life, promoting vocations, and consolidating the diocesan identity in the northern coastal region of Rio Grande do Sul.[2]

Retirement

Upon reaching the canonical age of retirement, Canellas submitted his resignation, which was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on 15 November 2006.[3] He was succeeded by Bishop Jaime Pedro Kohl.

Following his retirement, he continued to reside in Osório, maintaining a presence in the local Catholic community as bishop emeritus.[2]

Death

Canellas died on 20 January 2026, at the age of 95. His death was announced by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), which highlighted his decades of pastoral service and his foundational role in the Diocese of Osório.[2][4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Dom Thadeu Gomes Canellas". Catholic-Hierarchy.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Falecimento de Dom Thadeu Gomes Canellas". CNBB.
  3. ^ "Rinuncia del Vescovo di Osório (Brasile) e nomina del Successore". Holy See Press Office.
  4. ^ "Lutti nell'episcopato" (in Italian). Osservatore Romano. 21 January 2026. Retrieved 21 January 2026.