Archdiocese of Joinville
The Archdiocese of Joinville, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese located in the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil. Established in 1927 by Pope Pius XI as a diocese and elevated to archdiocesan status in 2024, it serves as the metropolitan see for several suffragan dioceses in the region. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Joinville, the archdiocese ministers to a growing Catholic population through numerous parishes and educational institutions. A notable aspect is its role in preserving local Catholic traditions amid the cultural heritage of southern Brazil.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Joinville
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Joinville | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Joinville |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Blumenau; Diocese of Caçador; Diocese of Chapecó; Diocese of Criciúma; Diocese of Lages; Diocese of Rio do Sul; Diocese of Tubarão |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Santa Catarina |
| Bishop: | Francisco Carlos Bach |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesejoinville.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 45 |
| High Schools: | 12 |
| Deaneries: | 8 |
| Priests: | 180 |
| Existence: | 1927– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Lauro Müller, 450, Centro, Joinville - SC, 89201-600, Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Joinville was established on 4 January 1927 by Pope Pius XI as the Diocese of Joinville, carved from territory of the Archdiocese of Curitiba to serve the expanding Catholic communities in northern Santa Catarina. It was elevated to the status of a metropolitan archdiocese on 7 December 2024.
History
Early Years
The see was created to address the pastoral needs of German and Polish immigrant communities in the region during the early twentieth century. The first bishop, Anselmo Pietrulla, OFM, oversaw initial organization and construction of the cathedral.
Elevation to Archdiocese
In 2024 the Diocese of Joinville was raised to metropolitan rank, becoming the head of a new ecclesiastical province with seven suffragan dioceses.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the northern portion of Santa Catarina, including the following municipalities:
- Joinville
- Araquari
- Balneário Barra do Sul
- Barra Velha
- Corupá
- Garuva
- Guaramirim
- Jaraguá do Sul
- Massaranduba
- São Francisco do Sul
- Schroeder
It forms the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Joinville.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in Joinville serves as the mother church. The present structure was dedicated in 1967 in a modern architectural style.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Francisco Carlos Bach has served as archbishop since 2024. A native of the region, he previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Joinville.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anselmo Pietrulla, OFM | 1929–1953 | First bishop; oversaw initial expansion. |
| Gregório Warmeling | 1954–1990 | Long-serving ordinary; promoted local vocations. |
| João Francisco Braga | 1990–1995 | Transferred from another see. |
| Orlando Brandes | 1995–2006 | Later appointed archbishop of Londrina. |
| Irineu Roque Scherer | 2007–2016 | Focused on social outreach. |
| Francisco Carlos Bach | 2017–2024 | Elevated to first archbishop in 2024. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with regular celebration of the ordinary form of the Mass alongside traditional devotional practices, equal attention to doctrinal formation and social outreach programs, and leadership that emphasizes both fidelity to Church teaching and engagement with local communities.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers approximately 8,000 square miles (20,720 km²) and serves around 850,000 registered Catholics across 85 parishes.
Religious Communities
Franciscans
The Order of Friars Minor has maintained a presence since the founding era, operating parishes and schools. Address: Rua Lauro Müller, 450, Joinville.
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Joinville |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The archdiocese organizes its parishes into eight deaneries covering northern Santa Catarina.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese oversees 57 Catholic schools providing education from elementary through secondary levels.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs in the archdiocese assist families with social services, food distribution, and emergency aid.
Notable Events or Figures
- The elevation to archdiocesan status in 2024 marked a historic milestone for the local Church.
- Saint Francis Xavier, patron of the cathedral, is venerated with an annual feast drawing thousands of faithful.
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Diocesan photos
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