Manso (Dom Manuel Martins)

Dom Manuel Martins Manso was the 24th bishop of Funchal, heading the administration of this diocese from 16 November 1850 to 13 June 1858.

He was born in the municipality (concelho) of Mogadouro on 21 November 1793 and died in the city of Guarda on 1 December 1878.

In 1819 he graduated in canon law at the University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra), and he was ordained priest in 1822. In 1824 he was appointed vicar general of Bragança, where on several occasions he governed the diocese as vicar capitular (administrator of the vacant diocese elected by the chapter).

Presented as bishop of Funchal on 18 April 1849, he was confirmed by the Holy See on 28 May 1850 and received episcopal consecration on 8 October of the same year.

Referring to this prelate, Dr Álvaro Rodrigues de Azevedo says: ‘cultured and virtuous, Bishop Martins Manso was the Good Shepherd in the diocese of Funchal, and he acted in the same way in that of Guarda, to which he was transferred in 1858’. During the eight years in which he presided over the fortunes of the Funchal church, he was always most zealous in fulfilling his episcopal duties, leaving the most honourable memories here in Madeira. The prudence, gentleness and evangelical spirit with which he conducted the affairs of this bishopric are still remembered today. He won the widest sympathy, and his departure for the diocese of Guarda was therefore deeply felt.