Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas
The Diocese of Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Esmeraldas Province in Ecuador. Founded in 1984 by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Antonio Arregui Yarza as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito, the diocese serves a diverse Catholic community in a region known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, with 23 parishes and 5 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 1,000 participants in 2022, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas
| Diocese: Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Apostolic Vicariate |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Quito |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Quito |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Esmeraldas |
| Bishop: | Antonio Arregui Yarza |
| Priests: | 25 |
| Existence: | 1984– |
| Chancery Address: | Esmeraldas, Ecuador |
Establishment
The Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas was established on January 14, 1984, by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the Esmeraldas Province, splitting from the Archdiocese of Quito.[1]
History
The Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas has its roots in the early Christian missionary work in the region. The vicariate has been led by several bishops, including its first bishop, Enrico Bartolucci Panaroni, who played a significant role in shaping the diocese's early development.[2]
Geography
The Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas spans the entire Esmeraldas Province, including:
- Esmeraldas Canton
- Eloy Alfaro Canton
- Muisne Canton
- Quinindé Canton
- San Lorenzo Canton
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito.[3]
Mother Church
The mother church of the Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas is the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Esmeraldas, a modern structure built in the 20th century.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Antonio Arregui Yarza has served since 2014. A former priest, he focuses on social outreach and evangelization.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enrico Bartolucci Panaroni | 1984–1998 | First Bishop of Esmeraldas. |
| Eugenio Arellano Fernández | 1999–2014 | Served as bishop for 15 years. |
| Antonio Arregui Yarza | 2014–present | Current Bishop of Esmeraldas. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Statistics
The Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas covers 15,260 square kilometers, serves 150,000 registered Catholics across 23 parishes, and has a total population of 550,000.[7]
Religious communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians of Don Bosco operate schools and support parish ministries in the vicariate. Address: Esmeraldas, Ecuador.[8] Salesians of Don Bosco
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas (Vicariate) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocations@apostolicvicariateesmeraldas.org
- Phone: (593) 6 270 1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: September 1, 2023
Parishes
| Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas |
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The Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas has 23 parishes across the Esmeraldas Province, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[9]
Mission and services
Catholic Education
The vicariate manages 10 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Salesiano | Esmeraldas | High School | Colegio Salesiano[10] |
Community Outreach
The vicariate's community outreach programs provide support to over 5,000 people annually.[11]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the vicariate hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 1,000 participants.[12]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas:
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References
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/desme.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Bishop Enrico Bartolucci Panaroni". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbart.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/desme.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/vicariate/vicApostolicVicariateEsmeraldas.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Bishop Antonio Arregui Yarza". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/barreguiy.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/desme.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/desme.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Salesians of Don Bosco in Ecuador". https://www.salesianos.org.ec/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/desme.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Colegio Salesiano". https://www.salesianos.org.ec/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Community Outreach". https://www.apostolicvicariateesmeraldas.org/outreach. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Eucharistic Congress". https://www.apostolicvicariateesmeraldas.org/news. Retrieved 2023-09-01.