nounmasculinepl: sacerdotes
priest
1. A person ordained to perform religious rites and ceremonies, especially in Christianity; a member of the clergy with authority to perform sacraments
The priest blessed the congregation during the Sunday mass.
O sacerdote abençoou a congregação durante a missa de domingo.
2. In ancient religions, a person who performs sacrifices or religious duties for a deity
The ancient sacerdotes performed rituals at the temple.
Os sacerdotes antigos realizavam rituais no templo.
3. A person who acts as an intermediary between humans and the divine
The sacerdote served as a spiritual guide for his parishioners.
O sacerdote servia como guia espiritual para seus fiéis.
In Brazil, 'sacerdote' is the formal religious term, while 'padre' is the colloquial equivalent used by most Portuguese speakers. The word carries significant religious and cultural weight in Catholic-majority Brazil. It's used formally in ecclesiastical documents, theological discussions, and official church communications, but everyday speakers typically prefer 'padre.' The distinction between sacerdote and padre mirrors the formal/informal register in Portuguese.
Related Idioms & Phrases
sacerdote casado (married priest - controversial topic in Catholicism)
vocação sacerdotal (priestly vocation)
ministério sacerdotal (priestly ministry)
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