International Women's Day 2025
Ramilda (pictured, above) is known as the ‘padra’ (feminine version of ‘padre’ meaning priest) of Tamaniquá. This title can be justified because of the scarcity of priests in the prelacy – caused by the size of the territory which makes the presence of an ordained priest practically impossible.
Tamaniquá is a missionary area pertaining to the prelacy of Tefé, located in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The prelacy covers 263,835 km2, over three times the size of the island
of Ireland.
Ramilda is a lay woman, capable and brave, married, and from the area. Because of her brilliant missionary work with the people ‘of the rivers’ she was chosen by Dom José Altevir da Silva, C.S.Sp., bishop of Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil. St Patrick’s priests have ministered in this area since 2023.
