Archdiocese of Campo Grande
The Archdiocese of Campo Grande, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. Erected as a diocese in 1978 and raised to metropolitan archdiocese status in 1981, it serves as the head of the Ecclesiastical Province of Campo Grande. The archdiocese is currently led by Archbishop João Aparecido Ribeiro, appointed in 2024. It ministers to a diverse Catholic population across urban centers and rural areas, emphasizing evangelization and social outreach in the Brazilian interior.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Campo Grande
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Campo Grande | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Campo Grande |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Corumbá; Diocese of Dourados; Diocese of Jardim; Diocese of Naviraí; Diocese of Paranaíba; Diocese of Ponta Porã; Diocese of Três Lagoas |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Mato Grosso do Sul |
| Bishop: | João Aparecido Ribeiro |
| Website: | https://www.arquicampogrande.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1978– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Dom Aquino 1616, Campo Grande, MS 79002-190, Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Campo Grande was established on 5 April 1978 by Pope Paul VI as the Diocese of Campo Grande, carved from territory previously belonging to the Diocese of Corumbá and the Archdiocese of Cuiabá. It was elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese on 27 November 1981 by Pope John Paul II.
History
The territory that forms the archdiocese saw early Catholic presence through Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Rapid population growth in the mid-20th century, driven by agricultural expansion, prompted the creation of the see. Since its elevation, the archdiocese has overseen the establishment of new suffragan dioceses to serve the growing Catholic communities in western and southern Mato Grosso do Sul.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the central and northern portions of Mato Grosso do Sul, including the state capital of Campo Grande and surrounding municipalities. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Campo Grande.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Perpetual Help in Campo Grande serves as the mother church of the archdiocese. The present structure was dedicated in 1954 and features a modern architectural style with prominent Marian iconography.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop João Aparecido Ribeiro has served as metropolitan archbishop since 2024. A native of the region, he previously served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of São Paulo.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Fré | 1978–1981 | First bishop; see elevated to archdiocese in 1981. |
| Vitório Pavanello | 1981–1998 | Elevated to archbishop; transferred to Archdiocese of Campo Grande. |
| Antônio Barbosa | 1998–2011 | Oversaw expansion of pastoral programs. |
| Dimas Lara Barbosa | 2011–2024 | Promoted vocations and social ministries. |
| João Aparecido Ribeiro | 2024–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices alongside occasional traditional devotions, equal attention to doctrinal formation and social outreach programs, and leadership focused on pastoral accompaniment in rural communities.
Statistics
The archdiocese encompasses approximately 80,000 square kilometers and serves over 1.2 million registered Catholics in 80 parishes.
Religious Communities
Several religious institutes serve in education, healthcare, and parish ministry, including the Salesians and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery.
Parishes
The archdiocese is organized into pastoral regions rather than formal deaneries and maintains a network of parishes serving both urban and rural faithful.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese supports numerous Catholic schools at the primary and secondary levels throughout its territory.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and diocesan social services address poverty alleviation, family support, and assistance to indigenous communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- The archdiocese hosted the first regional Eucharistic Congress of Mato Grosso do Sul in 1995.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Campo Grande:
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