Father César Moreira, pioneer of Catholic communication, dies

The death of Father Antônio César Moreira Miguel, aged 81, was announced on Friday, generating great emotion among Catholic media outlets. The news reached the public after confirmation by the Our Lady of Aparecida Province, which reported that he died at 10 p.m. on August 15, while hospitalized at the Santa Casa in Guaratinguetá.

Life and formation of Father César Moreira

Born in Cachoeira Paulista, in the Paraíba Valley, on May 5, 1945, he entered Redemptorist formation at age 11. He was ordained a priest on December 13, 1970, at the National Sanctuary of Aparecida, and devoted part of his career to journalism, studying Social Communication from 1977 to 1980.

Work at Rádio Aparecida

In 1981, he was appointed director of Rádio Aparecida, a position he held until 1989. He returned to the station in 1997, remaining at its helm until 2012, a period during which he expanded coverage and solidified the radio as the country’s leading Catholic broadcaster. He also chaired the Catholic Radio Union (UNDA) and the Catholic Radio Network (RCR), of which he was one of the founders.

Founding and development of TV Aparecida

In September 2005, Father César was among the founders of TV Aparecida and assumed its first directorship. He helped set up the initial studios, acquire equipment, and design the programming schedule, driving the station’s expansion.

Contributions to national Catholic communication

Beyond Rádio and TV Aparecida, he worked at stations such as Globo, Excelsior, Record, Capital and América, as well as at Difusora de Goiânia. He taught Journalism at the Dehonian College in Taubaté and at the University of Taubaté (Unitau). He authored books, articles, and edited the magazine Boa Notícia of the Union of Redemptorists of Brazil. For almost two decades he participated in the program “Momentos de Fé,” answering listeners’ questions on Globo and Capital radio.

Funeral ceremonies and tributes

The wake took place on Sunday, August 16, starting at 9 a.m., at the Convent of the National Sanctuary of Aparecida. The Solemn Mass with the body present was celebrated at 2 p.m. on the sanctuary’s main altar, followed by burial. The Aparecida Communication Network and its collaborators expressed their sorrow and reiterated condolences to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, family members, and friends.

With information from G1, Portal A12, spriomais.