Cardinal-Archbishop Seán Patrick O’Malley (left) introducing Bishop-Elect Rev. Cristiano Guilherme Borro Barbosa (December 2023) | Photo courtesy of @CardinalSean on XOn December 9, 2023, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, the Latin Catholic Archbishop of Boston, announced the appointment of Rev. Cristiano Guilherme Borro Barbosa as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese by Pope Francis.
Currently serving as the Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region and Secretary for Evangelization and Discipleship, Bishop-elect Barbosa previously taught theology at Saint John Seminary and also served part-time at Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston. He is proficient in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Bishop-elect Barbosa’s academic achievements include degrees from Universidade Estadual Paulista, Bauru, SP (Licentiate and Training in Professional Psychology), Universidade de Sagrado Coração in Bauru, SP, Brazil (Licentiate of Philosophy), Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais – Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil (Master in Psychology), and Boston College (School of Theology and Ministry) – Chestnut Hill, MA (Licentiate in Sacred Theology and Doctor of Sacred Theology).
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Cardinal Seán highlighted Bishop-elect Barbosa’s theological expertise, extensive parish involvement, and dedicated service to ethnic communities.
“I am grateful to our Holy Father Pope Francis for blessing the Archdiocese with the appointment of Bishop-elect Barbosa. He offers a shepherd’s heart and a wide range of experiences that have prepared him for this new role in the life of the Church. His theological background, extensive parish experience, and ministry with the ethnic community clearly appealed to the Holy Father in making this appointment,” stated Cardinal Seán.
In response to the announcement, Bishop-Elect Barbosa said: “I am humbled by the great confidence the Holy Father has shown in me by this appointment today. I am happy if I can serve in love for God and His people. The work of the Church is bringing reconciliation and unity.”
Born in Adamantina, Brazil, Bishop-Elect Barbosa was ordained a priest in 2007 at the Diocesan Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Bauru, SP, Brazil. He has served in various parishes within the Archdiocese of Boston, including Saint Anthony of Padua in Cambridge, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Cambridge, Holy Family Parish in Lowell, Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell, and Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Lowell.
Scheduled for Episcopal Ordination on February 3, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Bishop-Elect Barbosa will continue his current roles as Episcopal Vicar and Secretary even after assuming his new position.
The Archdiocese of Boston – the fourth largest archdiocese in the United States with over 1.8 million Catholics – is marked by its ethnic diversity across 144 communities in eastern Massachusetts. Its initiatives include active parishes, Catholic schools educating over 46,000 students annually, and substantial social service efforts aiding more than 200,000 individuals each year. The Archdiocese conducts Mass in over twenty languages weekly.
The role of auxiliary bishops in the Catholic Church varies widely based on the needs of the diocese. They may oversee specific regions or communities, emphasizing linguistic or cultural outreach.
Auxiliary Bishops currently serving in Boston include Bishop Mark O’Connell, JCD; Bishop Robert Hennessey; Bishop Robert Reed; Bishop Peter J. Uglietto, S.T.D.; along with retired Auxiliary Bishops Arthur L. Kennedy, Ph.D., and John Dooher.
