AMERICA/BRAZIL - Another priest killed in Brazil, parish pastor in Fortaleza

Fortaleza (Agenzia Fides) – Another priest has been murdered in Brazil: Father Josenir Morais, age 48, pastor of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Fortaleza, State of Ceara (CE). The crime occurred on the morning of October 25, near the city of São Luís do Curu (77 km from Fortaleza), where he had attended a celebration. According to the police, the priest was hit by a single shot of gunfire while driving his car. The bullet penetrated the back reaching the heart. He then lost control of his car and crashed into a sign of the highway BR-222, veering off the road.
According to the director of Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Fortaleza, Fr. Gilson Soares, as there are no signs of a bullet on the outside of the car, it is suspected that the priest was shot while the vehicle was stopped on the road, perhaps by someone whom he had given a ride. Fr. Josenir's body, after examination by the coroner, was brought to his parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where the funeral was presided by Archbishop Antonio José Aparecido Tosi Marques of Fortaleza.
Father Josenir Morais Santana was ordained a priest on July 1, 1995 and, according to the Archdiocese of Fortaleza, "was known for his simplicity, his joy that won everyone over, even those who were far away from the community. He was also known for his priestly commitment, his dynamism and creativity. He was very expressive and always encouraged the community to live the teachings of Jesus and His love for the poor." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2010)