Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez
The Diocese of Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Established in the mid-twentieth century to serve remote mission territories, it functions as an apostolic vicariate under the direct authority of the Holy See. The territory covers extensive areas of the eastern lowlands and is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It continues the Church’s longstanding missionary presence among indigenous and rural populations in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez
| Diocese: Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Apostolic Vicariate |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Santa Cruz de la Sierra |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra |
| Country: | Bolivia |
| Region: | Santa Cruz Department |
| Bishop: | Antonio Eduardo Márquez |
| Existence: | 1953– |
| Chancery Address: | Concepción, Bolivia |
Establishment
The Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez was erected on 12 February 1953 by Pope Pius XII to provide pastoral care for the vast missionary region in eastern Bolivia previously entrusted to the Franciscans.
History
The vicariate developed from earlier Franciscan missions dating to the colonial period. Its territory was carved from the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra to address the needs of scattered indigenous communities and settlers in the Ñuflo de Chávez province and surrounding areas. The see city is Concepción.
Geography
The vicariate encompasses the civil provinces of Ñuflo de Chávez, Guarayos, and portions of adjacent provinces within the Santa Cruz Department of Bolivia.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Concepción serves as the mother church of the vicariate.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Antonio Eduardo Márquez has led the vicariate since his appointment in 2023.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco Javier Jara Jara | 1953–1970 | First vicar apostolic. |
| José Carmen Di Pietro | 1971–1995 | Long-serving missionary bishop. |
| Carlos Jesús Patricio González Hermosilla | 1995–2000 | Later transferred. |
| Bonifacio José Peña Rodríguez | 2001–2016 | Focused on indigenous evangelization. |
| Antonio Eduardo Márquez | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Statistics
The vicariate serves a widely dispersed Catholic population across a large rural territory with limited infrastructure.
Religious Communities
Franciscan missionaries have historically staffed the vicariate’s parishes and missions.
Parishes
The vicariate comprises numerous mission stations and parishes centered in Concepción and surrounding towns.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The vicariate supports basic catechetical and primary education programs in rural communities.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez:
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