Archdiocese of Bucaramanga
The Diocese of Bucaramanga, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an archdiocese in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Archbishop Ismael Rueda Sierra as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bucaramanga, the archdiocese serves a growing Catholic community in the northeastern region of Colombia, with 89 parishes and 14 deaneries. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural influence, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the country.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Bucaramanga
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Bucaramanga | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Bucaramanga |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Barrancabermeja; Diocese of Málaga-Soatá; Diocese of Socorro y San Gil; Diocese of Vélez |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Santander |
| Bishop: | Ismael Rueda Sierra |
| Website: | https://arquibucaramanga.org.co/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 50 |
| High Schools: | 20 |
| Deaneries: | 14 |
| Priests: | 200 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Socorro |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 5 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 35 No. 22-33, Bucaramanga, Santander |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Bucaramanga was established on December 17, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the northeastern region of Colombia, splitting from the Diocese of Socorro.[1]
History
The archdiocese has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the early Christian presence in the region. Over the years, it has undergone significant developments, including the elevation to archdiocese status in 1974.[2]
Geography
The archdiocese spans the department of Santander, including the cities of Bucaramanga, Floridablanca, and Girón. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bucaramanga.[3]
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Holy Family in Bucaramanga, a beautiful structure built in the 20th century, serves as the archdiocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Ismael Rueda Sierra has served since 2009. A former auxiliary bishop, he focuses on pastoral care and evangelization.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aníbal Muñoz Duque | 1957–1967 | First Archbishop of Bucaramanga. |
| Héctor Rueda Hernández | 1967–1991 | Served for 24 years. |
| Darío Castrillón Hoyos | 1991–1996 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Cartagena. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgical practices, emphasizing social outreach, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[6]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 18,406 km², serves 2,500,000 Catholics across 89 parishes, and has a total population of 3,000,000.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate schools and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle 35 No. 22-33, Bucaramanga, Santander.[8] Jesuits
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Bucaramanga (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Ramírez
- Email: vocations@arquibucaramanga.org.co
- Phone: (57) 7 632 1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: August 15, 2023
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Bucaramanga |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Bucaramanga, covering the department of Santander, is a vibrant archdiocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 89 parishes across 14 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 50 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio María Auxiliadora | Bucaramanga | High School | Colegio María Auxiliadora[10] |
Community Outreach
Caritas Bucaramanga provides social services to over 10,000 people annually.[11]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2017, the archdiocese hosted the National Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[12]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Bucaramanga:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Bucaramanga". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbuca.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Bucaramanga". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/buca0.htm. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Bucaramanga". https://www.arquibucaramanga.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Cathedral of the Holy Family". https://www.arquibucaramanga.org.co/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archbishop Ismael Rueda Sierra". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bruedasi.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Bucaramanga". https://www.arquibucaramanga.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Bucaramanga". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbuca.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Jesuits in Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.arquibucaramanga.org.co/parroquias. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Colegio María Auxiliadora". https://www.colegiomariaauxiliadora.edu.co/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Caritas Bucaramanga". https://www.caritasbucaramanga.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "National Eucharistic Congress". https://www.arquibucaramanga.org.co/noticias/congreso-eucaristico-nacional. Retrieved 2023-08-15.