Archdiocese of Passo Fundo
The Diocese of Passo Fundo, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Established in 1951 by Pope Pius XII and elevated to metropolitan archdiocese status in 2011, it serves as the metropolitan see for several suffragan dioceses in the northern region of the state. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Passo Fundo, the archdiocese ministers to a Catholic population within a historically diverse cultural area of southern Brazil. A notable aspect is its role in supporting Catholic education and social services across rural and urban communities in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Passo Fundo
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Passo Fundo | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Passo Fundo |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Erexim; Diocese of Frederico Westphalen; Diocese of Rondonópolis; Diocese of São Luíz Gonzaga; Diocese of Vacaria |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Rio Grande do Sul |
| Bishop: | Roberto Francisco Ferrería Paz |
| Website: | https://www.arquidiocesedepassofundo.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1951– |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Coronel Chicuta, 155, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Passo Fundo was erected as a diocese on 10 March 1951 by Pope Pius XII, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre. It was elevated to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese on 13 April 2011.
History
The territory that forms the archdiocese saw early Catholic presence through missionary activity in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following its establishment, the see experienced steady growth in parishes and institutions. The elevation to archdiocese reflected the expansion of the Catholic population and the need for a metropolitan structure in northern Rio Grande do Sul.
Geography
The archdiocese covers a portion of northern Rio Grande do Sul, including the city of Passo Fundo and surrounding municipalities.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Apparition in Passo Fundo serves as the mother church of the archdiocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Roberto Francisco Ferrería Paz has served as archbishop since 2019.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alberto Etges | 1951–1958 | First bishop; transferred to other see. |
| João Batista Gonçalves | 1958–1962 | Died in office. |
| Joel Antônio Ferreira | 1962–1969 | Transferred. |
| Urbano José Allgayer | 1969–1992 | Retired. |
| Pedro Ercílio Simon | 1992–2011 | Became first archbishop upon elevation. |
| Antonio Carlos Rossi Keller | 2011–2018 | Retired. |
| Roberto Francisco Ferrería Paz | 2019–present | Current archbishop. |
Statistics
The archdiocese serves a Catholic population across multiple municipalities in northern Rio Grande do Sul.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the archdiocese include various congregations engaged in education and pastoral work.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises numerous parishes organized under deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese maintains a network of Catholic schools at elementary and secondary levels.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and related programs provide social assistance throughout the territory.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Passo Fundo:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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References
External Links
- Official website
- [Cathedral website]