Background
Da Rocha was born in Dobrada, Diocese of Jaboticabal, State of São Paulo in 1959.
Da Rocha was born in Dobrada, Diocese of Jaboticabal, State of São Paulo in 1959.
Archbishop da Rocha had previously served as archbishop of Teresina. After his elementary studies, he took courses in philosophy at the diocesan seminary of São Carlos and theology at the Theological Institute of Campinas. He received a licentiate in moral theology at the Theological Faculty Nossa Senhora da Assunção, São Paulo, and a doctorate in the same discipline at the Alphonsian Academy, Rome.
He was ordained priest 14 December 1984 to Mata, the Diocese of São Carlos.
On 13 June 2001 he was appointed Titular Bishop of Alba and Auxiliary Bishop of Fortaleza by Pope John Paul II, and consecrated on 11 August. He was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Teresina 31 January 2007 he became Archbishop on 3 September 2008.
Archbishop da Rocha was appointed archbishop of Brasila on 15 June 2011, ending the sede vacante that began on 4 January when Archbishop João Braz de Aviz was appointed prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Archbishop da Rocha took possession of the see on 6 August.
On 14 November 2015, the Synod of Bishops announced that Pope Francis had named him as one of his three appointments to that body"s council.
As Bishop has held the following positions: Member of the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine of the Brazilian Bishops" Conference, and member of the Episcopal Commission of the Happening de Superação from misery and Fome of the Episcopal Conference of the Regional Secretary and in charge of Youth and the Pastoral Care of Vocations Northeast Region 1. Member of the Permanent Council and the Commission of the Doctrine of the Episcopal Conference, President of Northeast Region 1. Chairman of the Department of Vocation and Ministry Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano – Latin American Episcopal Council.