Archdiocese of Mérida
The Diocese of Mérida, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an archdiocese located in the city of Mérida, Venezuela. Founded in 1778 by Pope Pius VI, it is led by Archbishop Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Mérida, the archdiocese serves a significant Catholic community in the Andean region of Venezuela, with 54 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Mérida
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Mérida | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Mérida |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of San Cristóbal de Venezuela; Diocese of Barinas; Diocese of Guanare |
| Country: | Venezuela |
| Region: | Mérida |
| Bishop: | Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 100 |
| Existence: | 1778– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 19, Mérida 5101, Mérida, Venezuela |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Mérida was established on June 17, 1778, by Pope Pius VI to serve the growing Catholic population in the Andean region of Venezuela, splitting from the Diocese of Caracas.[1]
History
The archdiocese has a rich history, with significant events including the construction of its mother church, the Mérida Cathedral, in the 19th century. The archdiocese has been led by several notable bishops, including Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, who has served as archbishop since 1991.[2]
Geography
The archdiocese spans the state of Mérida in Venezuela, including the cities of Mérida, San Cristóbal, and Barinas. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Mérida.[3]
Mother Church
The Mérida Cathedral in Mérida, a beautiful example of colonial architecture, serves as the archdiocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo has served as archbishop since 1991. A former professor, he focuses on social justice and education.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo | 1991–present | Current Archbishop |
| Angel Pérez Cisneros | 1989–1991 | Retired |
| Miguel Antonio Salas Salas | 1979–1989 | Deceased |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies, emphasizing social outreach, and led by an archbishop with a moderate stance.[6]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 22,300 square kilometers, serves 1.5 million registered Catholics across 54 parishes, and has a total population of 2.5 million.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle 19, Mérida 5101, Mérida, Venezuela.[8] Jesuits
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Mérida (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Pérez
- Email: vocations@arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve
- Phone: (0274) 252-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: August 1, 2023
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Mérida |
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The Archdiocese of Mérida, covering the state of Mérida, is a vibrant archdiocese established in 1778. It serves diverse communities through 54 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mérida School | Mérida | High School | Mérida School[10] |
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities provides social services to 10,000 people annually.[11]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 1991, Pope John Paul II visited, drawing 500,000 attendees.[12] Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, a former professor, shaped the archdiocese's social justice efforts.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Mérida:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmeri.html. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmeri.html. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmeri.html. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Mérida". https://www.arquidiocesisdemerida.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Mérida School". https://www.meridaschool.edu.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://www.caritasmerida.org.ve/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ↑ "Pope John Paul II". https://www.vatican.va/. Retrieved 2023-08-01.