Orlando Octacílio Dotti

Orlando Octacílio Dotti (born 22 June 1930) is a Brazilian Catholic prelate, who served as Bishop of Caçador (1969–1976), Bishop of Barra (1976–1983), and Bishop of Vacaria (1986–2003). He is Bishop Emeritus of Vacaria.

Early life and education Dotti was born on 22 June 1930 in the rural locality of Linha Silva Tavares, Antônio Prado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, the son of José Domingos Dotti and Mathilde Miotto Dotti.

He attended primary school between 1937 and 1941 and entered the Capuchin minor seminary in Veranópolis in 1942.

After ordination, Dotti pursued further studies in English and comparative education at the American Cultural Center in Porto Alegre (1956–1958) and later in Washington, D.C. (1958–1959).

Barra (1976–1983) On 1 April 1976, Dotti was transferred to the Diocese of Barra, in Bahia.

During this period, he was active in national ecclesial structures. From 1978 to 1982, he served as coordinator of the Education and Social Action sectors of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB). He was also a member of the Social Action Department of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM).

Later life After retiring as diocesan bishop, Dotti continued to reside in the Diocese of Vacaria and remained active in pastoral ministry. He served as Apostolic Administrator of Vacaria from 2006 to 2008.

In 2020, he was awarded the Medalha Zilda Arns by the Municipal Council of Vacaria in recognition of his service to the Church and society.

In 2025, the Diocese of Vacaria celebrated his 95th birthday with a Mass of thanksgiving and the launch of two volumes recounting his pastoral trajectory.