Francisco de Paula Víctor, priest (1827–1905)

Biography

A Brazilian priest born a slave, Francisco de Paula Víctor overcame discrimination through steadfast humility and generous ministry. The son of an enslaved woman, he learned the trade of tailor and, against the social barriers of his time, he entered the seminary with the help of Bishop Antonio Ferreira Viçoso. He endured ridicule and rejection, even from those who did not accept receiving the sacraments from a black priest. As parish priest of Três Pontas he conquered the community with his patience, founded a school open to poor children and served for decades without resentment.