Dom Mário Antônio da Silva has recently been appointed as the new archbishop of Aparecida, Brazil. His involvement with the National Sanctuary of Aparecida is notable, particularly regarding his participation in the novenas, a series of religious observances. In 2014, he actively participated in the sixth day of the novena as the auxiliary bishop of Manaus, delivering a sermon focused on the theme 'Auxiliary of the promoters of life'. This establishes his long-standing connection to the Sanctuary and the Brazilian Catholic community.

The Sanctuary has confirmed that Dom Mário has engaged in multiple novena events over the years, including significant participation in 2022, where he reflected on the theme 'With Mary, build a Church of listening, encounter, and discernment'. His contributions have been part of a broader engagement with the church as he has been involved in the General Assembly of Bishops since becoming the bishop of Manaus. His experience and themes tackled during these events highlight his pastoral commitment and viewpoints in the context of contemporary Church challenges.

Originally from Itararé in São Paulo, Dom Mário is 59 years old and prior to this appointment, served as the archbishop of Cuiabá. His background also includes being a bishop in Roraima, along with a dedicated history in pastoral work. His journey reflects not only his spiritual leadership but also the continuous evolution of the Catholic Church in Brazil, amidst changing social dynamics.