Archdiocese of Londrina
The Diocese of Archdiocese of Londrina, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Ecclesiastical Province of Londrina located in the state of Paraná in Brazil. Established as a diocese in 1956 by Pope Pius XII and elevated to an archdiocese in 1970, it serves a growing Catholic population across multiple municipalities in northern Paraná. Led by Archbishop Geremias Steinmetz since 2017, the archdiocese plays a central role in coordinating pastoral activities and evangelization efforts within its ecclesiastical province. It maintains a network of parishes, schools, and charitable works that support the spiritual and social needs of the faithful in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Londrina
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Londrina | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Londrina |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Apucarana; Diocese of Cornélio Procópio |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Paraná |
| Bishop: | Geremias Steinmetz |
| Website: | https://www.arquidiocesedelondrina.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 45 |
| High Schools: | 12 |
| Deaneries: | 8 |
| Priests: | 180 |
| Existence: | 1956– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Sergipe, 1050
Londrina, PR 86010-390 Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Londrina was erected as the Diocese of Londrina on 1 February 1956 by Pope Pius XII to serve the expanding Catholic communities in northern Paraná. It was elevated to the status of a metropolitan archdiocese on 31 December 1970.
History
The territory that became the Archdiocese of Londrina was originally part of the Archdiocese of Curitiba. Rapid population growth following agricultural development in the mid-20th century prompted the creation of the new see. The first bishop, Geraldo Fernandes, oversaw the construction of the cathedral and the organization of parishes. Following its elevation to an archdiocese, it became the metropolitan see for the suffragan dioceses of Apucarana and Cornélio Procópio.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the northern portion of the state of Paraná, including the following municipalities:
- Londrina
- Ibiporã
- Cambé
- Rolândia
- Arapongas
- and surrounding areas.
It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Londrina.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Londrina serves as the mother church of the archdiocese. The current structure was dedicated in 1963 and features a modern architectural style with capacity for large liturgical gatherings.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Geremias Steinmetz has served as Archbishop of Londrina since 2017. A native of the region, he previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Paranavaí.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geraldo Fernandes | 1956–1970 | First bishop; oversaw elevation to archdiocese. |
| Albano Bortoletto Cavallin | 1970–1993 | First archbishop; focused on pastoral expansion. |
| Antônio Agostinho Marochi | 1993–2006 | Emphasized social outreach programs. |
| Orlando Brandes | 2006–2016 | Transferred to Aparecida. |
| Geremias Steinmetz | 2017–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a slightly conservative orientation (rating: 3.8), with regular celebration of traditional liturgical practices alongside active engagement in social issues such as family support and education.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers approximately 11,500 square kilometers and serves around 850,000 registered Catholics across 85 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians
The Salesians operate schools and youth ministry programs throughout the archdiocese.
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Londrina |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The archdiocese organizes its parishes into eight deaneries covering urban and rural communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese operates numerous elementary and secondary schools focused on integral formation.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in need, including food distribution and health services.
Notable Events or Figures
- The archdiocese hosted a major Eucharistic congress in 2015 that drew thousands of participants from across Paraná.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Londrina:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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