Archdiocese of Fort-de-France
The Diocese of Archdiocese of Fort-de-France, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Caribbean region of France. Established in the 19th century, it serves the Catholic faithful of Martinique as part of the Latin Rite. The archdiocese plays a central role in the spiritual life of the island, with its metropolitan responsibilities extending to neighboring territories in the Antilles. A notable aspect is its historic cathedral, which has withstood multiple natural disasters while remaining a focal point for local Catholic devotion. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Fort-de-France
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Fort-de-France | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Fort-de-France |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Basse-Terre; Diocese of Cayenne; Diocese of Saint-Denis de La Réunion |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Martinique |
| Bishop: | David Macaire |
| Website: | https://www.catholique-martinique.fr/ |
| Existence: | 1850– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Evêché, 4 rue de la Liberté, 97200 Fort-de-France, Martinique, France |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Fort-de-France was erected as the Diocese of Martinique on 27 September 1850 by Pope Pius IX. It was later elevated to the status of an archdiocese on 21 July 1967.
History
The diocese originated from missionary efforts in the French Caribbean during the colonial period. Its territory has remained stable since establishment, centered on the island of Martinique.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the entire island of Martinique in the Caribbean Sea.
Mother Church
The Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Fort-de-France serves as the mother church of the archdiocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
David Macaire has served as archbishop since 2015.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Étienne-Jules-Alexandre-Joseph de La Croix d’Azolette | 1850–1855 | First bishop. |
| Louis-Martin Porion | 1856–1860 | |
| Adolphe-Marie-Casimir-Alexandre de Liguori | 1861–1875 | |
| Joseph-Marie-Armand de La Croix d’Azolette | 1876–1895 | |
| Jean-Baptiste-Étienne-Honoré-Marie de La Croix d’Azolette | 1896–1911 | |
| Jean-Marie-Charles de La Croix d’Azolette | 1912–1931 | |
| Henri-Maurice-Marie de La Croix d’Azolette | 1932–1945 | |
| Pierre-Marie-Joseph de La Croix d’Azolette | 1946–1964 | Elevated see to archdiocese. |
| Georges-Henri Guibert | 1964–1972 | |
| Michel Guyard | 1972–1981 | |
| Maurice-Marie-Sylvestre de La Croix d’Azolette | 1982–1995 | |
| Gilbert-Marie-Ernest-Louis-Marie de La Croix d’Azolette | 1995–2009 | |
| Michel-Marie-Bernard Calvet | 2009–2015 | |
| David Macaire | 2015–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and attention to both doctrinal fidelity and community needs in a Caribbean context.
Statistics
The archdiocese serves the Catholic population of Martinique.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the archdiocese include various congregations engaged in education and pastoral work.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises numerous parishes across Martinique.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
Catholic schools operate throughout the territory under diocesan oversight.
Community Outreach
Programs include social services coordinated through local Catholic agencies.
Notable Events or Figures
- The archdiocese has a long history of evangelization in the French West Indies.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Fort-de-France:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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