Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño
The Diocese of Puerto Carreño, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an apostolic vicariate located in the Vichada Department of Colombia. Founded in 1999 by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Omar de Jesús Mejía Giraldo as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá, the vicariate serves a diverse community in eastern Colombia, with 5 parishes and 2 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant missionary work, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño
| Diocese: Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Apostolic Vicariate |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Bogotá |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Vichada Department |
| Bishop: | Omar de Jesús Mejía Giraldo |
| Priests: | 5 |
| Existence: | 1999– |
| Chancery Address: | Puerto Carreño, Vichada, Colombia |
Establishment
The Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño was established on December 22, 1999, by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the Vichada Department of Colombia, splitting from the Apostolic Vicariate of Arauca.[1]
History
The apostolic vicariate has its roots in the early missionary work in the region, with the first Catholic missionaries arriving in the 20th century. The vicariate has since grown, with the establishment of new parishes and missions.
Geography
The Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño spans the Vichada Department in eastern Colombia, covering an area of approximately 44,000 square kilometers. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá.[2]
Mother Church
The mother church of the apostolic vicariate is the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Puerto Carreño, a modern structure built in the 20th century.[3]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Omar de Jesús Mejía Giraldo has served as the apostolic vicar since 2023. A former missionary, he focuses on evangelization and social outreach in the region.[4]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alfonso Márquez Molina | 1999–2010 | First apostolic vicar of Puerto Carreño. |
| Omar de Jesús Mejía Giraldo | 2023–present | Current apostolic vicar. |
Statistics
The apostolic vicariate covers an area of approximately 44,000 square kilometers, serving a population of around 100,000 people, with 5 parishes and 2 missions.[5]
Religious Communities
The apostolic vicariate is home to several religious communities, including the Sisters of Charity and the Jesuits.[6]
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño (Apostolic Vicariate) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Omar de Jesús Mejía Giraldo
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2025-06-03
Parishes
| Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The apostolic vicariate has 5 parishes and 2 missions, serving a diverse community in eastern Colombia.[7]
Mission and Services
The apostolic vicariate is involved in various mission-driven activities, including Catholic education, healthcare, and social outreach.[8]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/vicariate/apostolic-vicariate-of-puerto-carre%C3%B1o-1894.htm. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpcar.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Carmen". https://www.gcatholic.org/churches/southamerica/1894.htm. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Bishop Omar de Jesús Mejía Giraldo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmeji.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/vicariate/apostolic-vicariate-of-puerto-carre%C3%B1o-1894.htm. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpcar.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/vicariate/apostolic-vicariate-of-puerto-carre%C3%B1o-1894.htm. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Carreño". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpcar.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.