Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar
The Diocese of Ciudad Bolívar, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the entire state of Bolívar in Venezuela. Founded in 1933 by Pope Pius XI, it is led by Bishop Juan Alberto Ayala Ramírez as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ciudad Bolívar, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a historically diverse region, with 24 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in Venezuela.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Ciudad Bolívar |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Ciudad Guayana; Diocese of Maturín |
| Country: | Venezuela |
| Region: | Bolívar |
| Bishop: | Juan Alberto Ayala Ramírez |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 40 |
| Existence: | 1933– |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar was established on July 20, 1933, by Pope Pius XI to serve the growing Catholic population in the state of Bolívar, Venezuela. The diocese was split from the Archdiocese of Caracas.
History
The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar has a rich history, with its first bishop, José de Calasanz Rosenhammer, playing a significant role in the development of the diocese. The diocese has undergone several changes, including the elevation to archdiocese status in 1953.
Geography
The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar spans the entire state of Bolívar, including the cities of Ciudad Bolívar, Ciudad Guayana, and Maturín. The diocese is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ciudad Bolívar.
Mother Church
The mother church of the Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar is the Catedral Metropolitana de Ciudad Bolívar, a beautiful structure built in the 19th century.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Juan Alberto Ayala Ramírez has served as the Archbishop of Ciudad Bolívar since 2023. A former seminary rector, he focuses on evangelization and social outreach.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José de Calasanz Rosenhammer | 1933-1948 | First Bishop of Ciudad Bolívar |
| Juan José Bernal Ortiz | 1949-1960 | Elevated to Archbishop in 1953 |
| Críspulo Benítez Fontúrvel | 1960-1989 | Longest-serving bishop of the diocese |
| Medardo Luis Luzardo Romero | 1989-2003 | Retired in 2003 |
| Jesús González de Zárate Salas | 2003-2018 | Served as president of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference |
| Juan Alberto Ayala Ramírez | 2023-present | Current Archbishop |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar leans towards a balanced approach, offering traditional and contemporary liturgical practices, emphasizing social outreach, and led by a bishop with a neutral stance.
Statistics
The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar covers 238,000 square kilometers, serves 1.5 million Catholics across 24 parishes, and has a total population of 2.5 million.
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Alberto Ayala Ramírez
- Email: vocations@arquidiocesisdeciudadbolivar.org
- Phone: (+58) 0285 632-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar has 24 parishes across 5 deaneries, serving diverse communities through spiritual and communal support.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar manages several schools, including the Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola.
Community Outreach
The diocese provides community service programs, including Caritas Ciudad Bolívar, which supports vulnerable populations.
Notable Events or Figures
- The Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar has a rich cultural heritage, with several notable events and figures, including the celebration of the Feast of the Virgin of Coromoto.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Ciudad Bolívar:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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