Archdiocese of Ibagué
The Diocese of Ibagué, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an archdiocese located in the city of Ibagué, Colombia. Founded in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII, it was elevated to an archdiocese in 1974. The archdiocese serves the Tolima Department in Colombia, covering an area of 12,355 km². As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibagué, the archdiocese is led by Archbishop Orlando Roa Barbosa as of 2023. With 64 parishes and 2 deaneries, the archdiocese plays a significant role in the Catholic Church in Colombia, hosting various events and pilgrimages throughout the year. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflected in the annual Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen, which draws thousands of participants.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Ibagué
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Ibagué | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ibagué |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Líbano-Honda; Diocese of Neiva; Diocese of Espinal |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Tolima |
| Bishop: | Orlando Roa Barbosa |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesisdeibague.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 80.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 2 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1900– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Tolima |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 11 No. 4-35, Ibagué, Tolima |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Ibagué was established on June 20, 1900, by Pope Leo XIII, splitting from the Diocese of Tolima. The new diocese was created to serve the growing Catholic population in the Tolima Department.
History
The diocese has a rich history, with various events and milestones shaping its development. In 1974, the diocese was elevated to an archdiocese by Pope Paul VI. The archdiocese has been led by several notable bishops, including Archbishop José Joaquín Flórez Hernández, who played a significant role in the Colombian Catholic Church.
Geography
The archdiocese spans the entire Tolima Department, covering an area of 12,355 km². It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibagué and includes the following municipalities: Alvarado, Anzoátegui, Armero, Cajamarquilla, Coello, Espinal, Flandes, Guamo, Ibagué, Líbano, Mariquita, Melgar, Murillo, Natagaima, Ortega, Piedras, Rovira, Saldaña, San Luis, and Valle de San Juan.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, located in Ibagué, serves as the archdiocese's mother church. The cathedral was built in the 19th century and features a stunning Gothic-style architecture.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Orlando Roa Barbosa has served as the archbishop of Ibagué since 2023. A former auxiliary bishop, he focuses on promoting social justice and evangelization.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Joaquín Flórez Hernández | 1964–1993 | First archbishop of Ibagué. |
| Juan Francisco Sarasti Jaramillo | 1993–2002 | Served as bishop of Barranquilla before becoming archbishop of Ibagué. |
| Flavio Calle Zapata | 2003–2019 | Focused on promoting vocations and evangelization. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social teachings, while also promoting social justice and outreach programs. The archdiocese is led by an archbishop with a balanced stance, focusing on both traditional and contemporary issues.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers an area of 12,355 km², serving a population of approximately 1.5 million people, with around 80% identifying as Catholic. The archdiocese has 64 parishes, 2 deaneries, and 120 priests.
Religious Communities
The archdiocese is home to several religious communities, including the Jesuits, who operate a school and support parish ministries, and the Sisters of Charity, who manage healthcare services.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Ibagué (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Ramírez
- Email: vocations@arquidiocesisdeibague.org
- Phone: (8) 276-2222
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2023
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Ibagué |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The archdiocese has 64 parishes, organized into 2 deaneries. The parishes serve a diverse population, with various cultural and social programs.
Mission and Services
The archdiocese is committed to promoting Catholic education, with several schools and universities under its jurisdiction. The archdiocese also supports various community outreach programs, including healthcare services and social justice initiatives.
Notable Events or Figures
- The archdiocese hosts the annual Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen, which draws thousands of participants.
- The archdiocese is home to the shrine of the Virgin of Carmen, a popular pilgrimage site.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Ibagué:
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Diocesan photos
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