Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén
The Diocese of Aysén, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an apostolic vicariate located in the country of Chile. Founded in 1940, it serves the Aysén Region in southern Chile. The apostolic vicariate is led by Bishop Luis Infante as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Puerto Montt, the vicariate provides pastoral care to the faithful in this sparsely populated region, with a focus on social outreach and evangelization. A notable aspect is its commitment to environmental stewardship, reflecting the region's unique natural heritage.
Stored in Cargo: Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén
| Diocese: Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Apostolic Vicariate |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Puerto Montt |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Puerto Montt |
| Country: | Chile |
| Region: | Aysén Region |
| Bishop: | Luis Infante |
| Existence: | 1940– |
| Chancery Address: | Coyhaique, Chile |
Establishment
The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén was established on February 8, 1940, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Aysén Region of Chile. The vicariate was carved out of the Diocese of Punta Arenas and has since been responsible for the spiritual care of the faithful in this region.
History
The history of the Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén is closely tied to the settlement and development of the Aysén Region. The region's rugged terrain and harsh climate made it one of the last areas of Chile to be settled, but the arrival of missionaries and settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the establishment of the vicariate. Over the years, the vicariate has played an important role in the social and economic development of the region, with a focus on education, healthcare, and social outreach.
Geography
The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén covers the entire Aysén Region, which is located in southern Chile. The region is characterized by its rugged terrain, with mountains, forests, and rivers dominating the landscape. The vicariate is home to several national parks and protected areas, including the Laguna San Rafael National Park and the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.
Mother Church
The mother church of the Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Coyhaique. The cathedral was built in the mid-20th century and serves as the seat of the vicariate.
Leadership
Current Bishop
The current bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén is Luis Infante, who was appointed in 2023. Bishop Infante has a strong background in social outreach and evangelization, and has been instrumental in promoting the vicariate's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jerónimo de Jesús | 1940–1945 | First bishop of the vicariate. |
| Teodoro Eugenín Barrientos | 1945–1959 | Served during a period of significant growth and development in the region. |
| Alejandro Jiménez Lafeble | 1959–1970 | Played a key role in promoting social justice and human rights in the region. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén has a strong focus on social outreach and evangelization, reflecting the region's unique cultural and environmental context. The vicariate has been instrumental in promoting environmental stewardship and has worked closely with local communities to protect the region's natural heritage.
Statistics
The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén covers an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers and serves a population of around 100,000 people. The vicariate has a total of 10 parishes and 20 priests, with a strong focus on social outreach and evangelization.
Religious Communities
The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén is home to several religious communities, including the Sisters of Charity and the Salesians of Don Bosco. These communities play an important role in the social and economic development of the region, with a focus on education, healthcare, and social outreach.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén (Vicariate) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Luis Infante
- Email: vocations@aysen.cl
- Phone: (56) 67 213 111
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2023-02-20
Parishes
| Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén has a total of 10 parishes, which are located throughout the Aysén Region. The parishes are served by 20 priests and have a strong focus on social outreach and evangelization.
Mission and Services
The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén has a strong commitment to social outreach and evangelization, with a focus on education, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. The vicariate works closely with local communities to promote human rights and social justice, and has been instrumental in protecting the region's natural heritage.
Notable Events or Figures
- The Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén has been involved in several notable events and initiatives, including the promotion of environmental stewardship and the protection of human rights.
- The vicariate has also been home to several notable figures, including Bishop Luis Infante, who has been instrumental in promoting social outreach and evangelization in the region.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Apostolic Vicariate of Aysén:
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