Archdiocese of Maringá
The Archdiocese of Maringá, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese located in the state of Paraná in Brazil. Established as a diocese in 1956 by Pope Pius XII and elevated to archdiocesan status in 1979, it serves as the metropolitan see for several suffragan dioceses in the Ecclesiastical Province of Maringá. The archdiocese ministers to a growing Catholic population across northern Paraná through its parishes, schools, and charitable works, with Archbishop Cleonir Paulo Dalbosco, OFM Cap, serving as its current ordinary since 2023. A notable aspect of its history includes the rapid expansion of Catholic institutions following the region's agricultural development in the mid-twentieth century.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Maringá
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Maringá | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Maringá |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Campo Mourão; Diocese of Paranavaí; Diocese of Umuarama |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Paraná |
| Bishop: | Cleonir Paulo Dalbosco |
| Website: | https://www.arquimaringa.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 João Cândido Ferreira, 1200
Maringá, PR 87050-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Maringá was erected as a diocese on 1 February 1956 by Pope Pius XII, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Curitiba and the Diocese of Jacarezinho. It was elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese on 16 October 1979 by Pope John Paul II.
History
Early Years
The territory that became the Archdiocese of Maringá experienced rapid Catholic growth after World War II as migrants from southern Brazil settled the fertile northern Paraná region. The first bishop, Jaime Luiz Coelho, oversaw the construction of the initial cathedral and numerous parishes.
Elevation to Archdiocese
Following its elevation in 1979, the see assumed metropolitan responsibilities over newly created suffragan dioceses, reflecting the continued demographic expansion of the area.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the northern portion of Paraná state, including the following municipalities:
- Maringá
- Sarandi
- Paiçandu
- Mandaguari
- Marialva
- and surrounding rural areas
It forms the metropolitan province that includes the Dioceses of Campo Mourão, Paranavaí, and Umuarama.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Maringá serves as the mother church. The present structure, dedicated in 1979, features modern architecture with a prominent bell tower visible across the city.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Cleonir Paulo Dalbosco, OFM Cap, has served as metropolitan archbishop since 2023. A Capuchin friar, he previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Bagé.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jaime Luiz Coelho | 1956–1980 | First bishop; led elevation to archdiocese. |
| Murilo Ramos Krieger, S.C.J. | 1980–1986 | Transferred to Ponta Grossa. |
| Domingos Gabriel Wisniewski, C.M. | 1986–1995 | Retired. |
| Jaime Vieira Rocha | 1995–2004 | Transferred to Natal. |
| Anuar Battisti | 2004–2023 | Retired. |
| Cleonir Paulo Dalbosco, OFM Cap | 2023–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.8), with regular celebration of the ordinary form of the Mass alongside traditional devotional practices. Emphasis is placed equally on doctrinal formation and social outreach programs serving rural communities.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers approximately 8,500 square miles (22,000 km²) and serves roughly 850,000 registered Catholics in 85 parishes.
Religious Communities
Capuchin Franciscans
The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin maintains several friaries and supports parish ministry and education.
Parishes
The archdiocese is divided into eight deaneries. For the complete list of parishes, see List of parishes in the Archdiocese of Maringá.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese operates 45 elementary schools and 12 high schools.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in rural areas and support for migrants.
Notable Events or Figures
- The first bishop, Jaime Luiz Coelho, was later named Archbishop of Curitiba.
- The archdiocese hosted regional Eucharistic congresses in the 1980s and 1990s.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Maringá:
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