Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona
The Diocese of Nueva Pamplona, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the departments of Norte de Santander in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Archbishop Luis Madrid Merlano as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Nueva Pamplona, the archdiocese serves a growing Catholic community in a historically diverse region, with 54 parishes and 23 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in northern Colombia.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Nueva Pamplona |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Arauca; Diocese of Cúcuta; Diocese of Ocaña |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Norte de Santander |
| Bishop: | Luis Madrid Merlano |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Nueva Pamplona |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 6 # 7-58, Cúcuta, Norte de Santander |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona was established on July 25, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Norte de Santander department, splitting from the Diocese of Nueva Pamplona.[1]
History
The archdiocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region. Over the years, it has grown and developed, with various boundary changes and the elevation to archdiocese status in 1988.[2]
Geography
The archdiocese spans the entire Norte de Santander department, including:
- Abrego
- Arboledas
- Bochalema
- Bucarasica
- Cachira
- Cácota
- Chinácota
- Cúcuta
- Durania
- El Tarra
- Herrán
- Lábateca
- Los Patios
- Mutiscua
- Ocaña
- Pamplona
- Pamplonita
- Puerto Santander
- Ragonvalia
- Salazar de Las Palmas
- San Cayetano
- San Faustino
- San José de Cúcuta
- Santiago
- Santo Domingo de Silos
- Tibú
- Villa Caro
- Villa del Rosario
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Nueva Pamplona.[3]
Mother Church
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Cúcuta, a beautiful structure built in the 18th century, serves as the archdiocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Luis Madrid Merlano has served as the Archbishop of Nueva Pamplona since 2023. A former auxiliary bishop, he focuses on pastoral care and social outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vicente Roig y Villalba, O.F.M. | 1957–1964 | First bishop of Nueva Pamplona. |
| José de Jesús Pimiento Rodríguez | 1964–1975 | Transferred to Garzón. |
| Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo, P.S.S. | 1977–1983 | Transferred to Chiquinquirá. |
| Rafael Sarmiento Peralta | 1985–1994 | Retired. |
| Flavio Calle Zapata | 1995–2011 | Retired. |
| Luis Madrid Merlano | 2023–present | Current archbishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach alongside traditional teachings, and led by an archbishop with a moderate stance.[7]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 17,867 km², serves 1,300,000 registered Catholics across 54 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate schools and support parish ministries in the archdiocese. Address: Calle 6 # 7-58, Cúcuta, Norte de Santander.[9] Jesuitas
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including hospitals and clinics. Address: Calle 6 # 7-58, Cúcuta, Norte de Santander.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Pérez
- Email: vocations@arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org
- Phone: (57) 5 583 1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona, covering the Norte de Santander department, is a vibrant missionary archdiocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 54 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The archdiocese includes a shrine and hosts pilgrimage sites, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[11]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio María Auxiliadora | Cúcuta | High School | Colegio María Auxiliadora[12] |
Community Outreach
[Program Name] provides [services] to [N] people annually.[13]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2017, the archdiocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing 10,000 attendees.[14]
- Saint María Bernarda Bütler is the patron saint of the archdiocese.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results
References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dnuep.html. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Historia". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/historia. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/parroquias. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Catedral". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/catedral. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Obispo". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/obispo. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dnuep.html. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Pastoral". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/pastoral. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/estadisticas. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/parroquias. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Colegio María Auxiliadora". https://www.colegiomariaauxiliadora.edu.co/. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Pastoral". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/pastoral. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://www.arquidiocesisdenuevapamplona.org/noticias. Retrieved 2026-05-05.