His Excellency and Most Reverend

József Tamás 

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus, 

Titular Bishop of Valabria

József Tamás was born on 12 November 1944 in Siculeni, and later moved with his family to Sânsimion. He started his studies in Sânsimion (1951–1958) and continued in Alba Iulia at the Theological Lyceum (1958–1962). Afterwards, he finished his studies at the Faculty of Roman Catholic Theology in Alba Iulia, (1962–1968), upon completion of which, on 21 April 1968, Venerable Bishop Áron Márton ordained him as priest for the Archdiocese. His priestly motto was: “Your will be done.”

His first assignment was to Mediaș, where he served as Caplain between 1968 and 1972. His next assignment was to Tiur, where he served as parish priest. In 1978, his bishop transferred him to Alba Iulia, where he served at the Faculty of Roman Catholic Theology as a teacher and spiritual director until 1997.

He received his episcopal appointment on 18 December 1996, and his consecration took place on 1 March 1997 in the Franciscan Church of Șumuleu Ciuc. Ordaining consecrators: dr. György Jakubinyi, Archbishop of Alba Iulia, Lajos Bálint, retired Archbishop of Alba Iulia and Janusz Bolonek, Apostolic Nuncio.

He served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Alba Iulia for nearly 24 years. His resignation was accepted by Pope Francis on 24 December 2019.

His episcopal motto is: 

“But the greatest of these is love”.(1 Cor 13:13)

He did not choose a personal Coat of Arms; instead, he used the redesigned Archdiocesan Coat of Arms, created by Archbishop Dr. György Jakubinyi.