Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador
The Diocese of Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the province of Zamora-Chinchipe in Ecuador. Founded in 1984 by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Jaime Oswaldo Castillo Villacrés as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Cuenca, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a historically indigenous region, with 23 parishes and 5 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Amazonian region.
Stored in Cargo: Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador
| Diocese: Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Apostolic Vicariate |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Cuenca |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Cuenca |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Zamora-Chinchipe |
| Bishop: | Jaime Oswaldo Castillo Villacrés |
| Priests: | 25 |
| Existence: | 1984– |
| Chancery Address: | Zamora, Ecuador |
Establishment
The Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador was established on April 18, 1984, by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the province of Zamora-Chinchipe, splitting from the Diocese of Loja.[1]
History
The Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador has its roots in the early Christian missionary work in the Amazonian region. The vicariate has been led by several bishops, including its first bishop, Serafín Luis Alberto Cartagena Ocaña, who played a significant role in shaping the diocese's early years.[2]
Geography
The Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador spans the entire province of Zamora-Chinchipe, including:
- Zamora
- Chinchipe
- Nangaritza
- Palanda
- Yacuambi
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Cuenca.[3]
Mother Church
The mother church of the Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Zamora, a beautiful structure that serves as the seat of the vicariate.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Jaime Oswaldo Castillo Villacrés has served as the bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador since 2023. A former priest, he focuses on evangelization and social outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serafín Luis Alberto Cartagena Ocaña | 1984–2003 | First Bishop of Zamora en Ecuador. |
| Fausto Trávez Trávez | 2003–2010 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Quito. |
| Walter Jehová Heras Segarra | 2011–2019 | Retired. |
| Jaime Oswaldo Castillo Villacrés | 2023–present | Current Bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Statistics
The Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador covers an area of approximately 10,556 square miles (27,325 km²), serving a population of around 120,000 people, with 23 parishes and 5 missions.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate in the vicariate, supporting parish ministries and education. Address: Zamora, Ecuador.[8] Jesuits
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador (Vicariate) • Both
- Contact: Bishop Jaime Oswaldo Castillo Villacrés
- Email: vicariatozamora@ecua.edu.ec
- Phone: (593) 7 260 111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: December 1, 2023
Parishes
| Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador |
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The Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador has 23 parishes and 5 missions, serving diverse communities through various deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The vicariate manages several schools, including:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Nacional Zamora | Zamora | High School | Colegio Nacional Zamora[10] |
Community Outreach
The vicariate provides community service programs, including healthcare and social outreach, serving the needs of the local population.[11]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador:
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Associated saints
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dzame.html. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Bishop Serafín Luis Alberto Cartagena Ocaña". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcart.html. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dzame.html. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/vicariate/vzam0.htm. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Bishop Jaime Oswaldo Castillo Villacrés". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcastv.html. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dzame.html. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dzame.html. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Jesuits". https://www.jesuits.org/. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dzame.html. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Colegio Nacional Zamora". https://www.colegiocnzamora.edu.ec/. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
- ↑ "Apostolic Vicariate of Zamora en Ecuador". https://www.vicariatozamora.org.ec/. Retrieved 2023-12-01.