Archdiocese of Cuenca
The Diocese of Cuenca, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the entire province of Azuay in Ecuador. Founded in 1786 by Pope Pius VI, it is led by Archbishop Marco Pérez Caicedo as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a historically rich region, with 56 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Andean highlands.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Cuenca
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Cuenca | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Quito |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Loja; Diocese of Machala |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Azuay |
| Bishop: | Marco Pérez Caicedo |
| Website: | https://arquicuenca.ec/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1786– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle Simón Bolívar 13-65 y Abdón Calderón Cuenca, Azuay |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Cuenca was established on February 14, 1786, by Pope Pius VI to serve the growing Catholic population in the region of Azuay, splitting from the Diocese of Quito.[1]
History
The archdiocese has a rich history, with significant milestones including the construction of its mother church, the Catedral de la Inmaculada, in the 19th century. The archdiocese has been led by several notable bishops, including Archbishop Miguel Álvarez Cortés, who played a key role in the country's independence movement.[2]
Geography
The archdiocese spans the entire province of Azuay, including the cantons of Cuenca, Azogues, Biblián, Cañar, Déleg, Gualaceo, Nabón, Oña, Paute, Pucará, San Fernando, Santa Isabel, and Sígsig. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito.[3]
Mother Church
The Catedral de la Inmaculada in Cuenca, a Gothic-style structure built in the 19th century, serves as the archdiocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Marco Pérez Caicedo has served as the Archbishop of Cuenca since 2016. A former rector of the Catholic University of Cuenca, he focuses on promoting Catholic education and social justice in the region.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Carrión y Marfil | 1786–1798 | First Bishop of Cuenca. |
| José Cuero y Caicedo | 1801–1815 | Played a key role in the country's independence movement. |
| Miguel Álvarez Cortés | 1835–1843 | Notable bishop who supported the independence of Ecuador. |
| José Ignacio Checa y Barba | 1861–1868 | Focused on promoting Catholic education in the region. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social teachings, while also promoting Catholic education and social justice in the region.[6]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 8,878 square kilometers, serves 1,300,000 registered Catholics across 56 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate the Catholic University of Cuenca and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle Simón Bolívar 13-65 y Abdón Calderón, Cuenca, Azuay.[8] Jesuitas en Ecuador
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Cuenca (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Avilés
- Email: vocaciones@arquicuenca.ec
- Phone: (07) 283-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2023-09-01
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Cuenca |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Cuenca, covering the province of Azuay, is a vibrant missionary archdiocese established in 1786 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 56 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The archdiocese includes a number of shrines and pilgrimage sites, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Miguel Álvarez Cortés | Cuenca | High School | Colegio Miguel Álvarez Cortés[10] |
Community Outreach
The archdiocese's Caritas organization provides social services to over 10,000 people annually.[11]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the archdiocese hosted the Ecuadorian Catholic Youth Day, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[12] Saint Mariana de Jesús, a former resident of Cuenca, is the patron saint of Ecuador.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Cuenca:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results
References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Cuenca". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcuen.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Historia de la Arquidiócesis de Cuenca". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/historia/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parroquias de la Arquidiócesis de Cuenca". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Catedral de la Inmaculada". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Arzobispo Marco Pérez Caicedo". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/obispo/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Doctrina de la Arquidiócesis de Cuenca". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/doctrina/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Estadísticas de la Arquidiócesis de Cuenca". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Ecuador". https://www.jesuitas.org.ec/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parroquias de la Arquidiócesis de Cuenca". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Colegio Miguel Álvarez Cortés". https://www.colegiomiguelalvarezcortes.edu.ec/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Caritas Cuenca". https://www.caritascuenca.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jornada de Jóvenes". https://www.arquicuenca.ec/jornada-jovenes/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.