Archdiocese of Paraná
The Archdiocese of Paraná, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese in Argentina. Erected as a diocese in 1859 by Pope Pius IX and elevated to archdiocesan status in 1934, it serves as the metropolitan see for the Ecclesiastical Province of Paraná. The archdiocese encompasses the civil province of Entre Ríos and is currently led by Archbishop Juan Alberto Puiggari. It plays a central role in the spiritual life of Catholics in northeastern Argentina, with a notable history of missionary expansion and social outreach in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Paraná
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Paraná | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Paraná |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Concordia; Diocese of Gualeguaychú |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Entre Ríos Province |
| Bishop: | Juan Alberto Puiggari |
| Website: | https://www.arquidiocesisdeparana.org.ar/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 45 |
| High Schools: | 12 |
| Deaneries: | 8 |
| Priests: | 180 |
| Existence: | 1859– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | 25 de Mayo 79, Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Paraná was established on 13 July 1859 by Pope Pius IX as the Diocese of Paraná, carved from the territory of the Diocese of Buenos Aires to serve the growing Catholic population in the province of Entre Ríos. It was elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese on 20 April 1934 by Pope Pius XI.
History
Early Years
The see was created amid the expansion of the Argentine Church following national independence. Early bishops focused on organizing parishes and promoting education in a frontier region.
Elevation and Modern Era
Following its elevation in 1934, the archdiocese expanded its institutions and responded to social challenges in the 20th century, including rural evangelization and care for immigrant communities.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the entire civil province of Entre Ríos in northeastern Argentina. It forms the metropolitan province that includes the suffragan sees of Concordia and Gualeguaychú.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in the city of Paraná serves as the mother church. The neoclassical structure dates from the 19th century and houses the remains of several former bishops.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Juan Alberto Puiggari has led the archdiocese since his appointment in 2011. A native of Buenos Aires Province, he previously served as bishop of Mar del Plata.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Gregorio Baigorria | 1860–1861 | First bishop; died shortly after appointment. |
| Luis José Gabriel Segura y Cubas | 1862–1868 | Oversaw initial organization of parishes. |
| José María Gelabert y Cribián | 1870–1881 | Expanded missionary work in rural areas. |
| Juan Agustín Boneo | 1882–1898 | Promoted Catholic education. |
| Juan José Aníbal Silva | 1898–1908 | Transferred to another see. |
| Juan Agustín Boneo (second term) | 1908–1920 | Returned as administrator. |
| Miguel de Andrea | 1920–1934 | Last bishop before elevation to archdiocese. |
| Ramón Octavio Nicolau | 1934–1946 | First archbishop. |
| Francisco Vicentin | 1946–1961 | Oversaw post-war growth. |
| Vicente Faustino Zazpe | 1961–1969 | Later became archbishop of Santa Fe. |
| Adolfo Roque Pérez | 1970–1972 | Brief tenure. |
| Pedro Reginaldo Lira | 1973–1976 | Transferred. |
| Jorge Carreras | 1976–1983 | Focused on social issues. |
| José María Arancibia | 1983–1993 | Later archbishop of Mendoza. |
| Estanislao Esteban Karlic | 1993–2003 | Created cardinal in 2007. |
| Mario Luis Bautista Maulín | 2003–2011 | Retired. |
| Juan Alberto Puiggari | 2011–present | Current archbishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese maintains a slightly conservative orientation (rating 3.8), with regular celebration of traditional devotions alongside active social outreach programs.
Statistics
The archdiocese serves approximately 1.1 million Catholics across 85 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians operate schools and youth centers throughout the territory.
Parishes
The archdiocese is divided into eight deaneries with a total of 85 parishes.
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 need across Entre Ríos.
Notable Events or Figures
- Saint María Laura Mainetti, a religious sister martyred in 2000, is venerated in the archdiocese.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Paraná:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results