Archdiocese of Portoviejo
The Diocese of Portoviejo, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Manabí Province in Ecuador. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Eduardo José Castillo Pino as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Guayaquil, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its agricultural production and coastal cities, with 43 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Portoviejo
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Portoviejo | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Guayaquil |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Manabí |
| Bishop: | Eduardo José Castillo Pino |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesisdeportoviejo.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 80 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Guayaquil |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle García Moreno 111 y Av. 10 de Agosto, Portoviejo, Manabí |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Portoviejo was established on February 23, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Manabí Province, splitting from the Diocese of Guayaquil.[1]
History
The archdiocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region, with the first Catholic presence dating back to the 16th century. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church played a significant role in the social and cultural development of the area. In 1957, the Diocese of Portoviejo was erected, and in 1994, it was elevated to the status of an archdiocese.[2]
Geography
The archdiocese spans the entire Manabí Province, including the cities of Portoviejo, Manta, and Montecristi. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Guayaquil.[3]
Mother Church
The Catedral de Portoviejo in Portoviejo, a beautiful example of modern ecclesiastical architecture, serves as the archdiocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Eduardo José Castillo Pino has served as the Archbishop of Portoviejo since 2012. A former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, he focuses on promoting social justice and evangelization in the region.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Alfredo Carvajal Rosales | 1957–1967 | First Bishop of Portoviejo. |
| Luis Clemente de la Vega Rodriguez | 1967–1987 | Elevated to Archbishop in 1975. |
| José Mario Ruiz Navas | 1987–2014 | Served as President of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The archdiocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by an archbishop with a moderate stance.[6]
Statistics
The archdiocese covers 10,872 square miles (28,170 km²), serves 1,500,000 registered Catholics across 43 parishes, and has a total population of 1,800,000.[7]
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians of Don Bosco operate schools and youth centers in the archdiocese. Address: Calle García Moreno 111 y Av. 10 de Agosto, Portoviejo, Manabí.[8] Salesians of Don Bosco
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Portoviejo (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@arquidiocesisdeportoviejo.org
- Phone: (593) 5 262-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: August 15, 2023
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Portoviejo |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Portoviejo, covering the Manabí Province, is a vibrant missionary archdiocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 43 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The archdiocese includes a number of shrines and pilgrimage sites, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The archdiocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Salesiano | Portoviejo | High School | Colegio Salesiano[10] |
Community Outreach
The archdiocese's Caritas program provides social services to over 10,000 people annually.[11]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the archdiocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants.[12]
- The archdiocese is home to the shrine of Our Lady of Montecristi, a popular pilgrimage site in the region.[13]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Portoviejo:
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References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Portoviejo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dport.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Portoviejo". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/porto0.htm. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Portoviejo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dport.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Catedral de Portoviejo". https://www.arquidiocesisdeportoviejo.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Bishop Eduardo José Castillo Pino". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcastillo.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Portoviejo". https://www.arquidiocesisdeportoviejo.org/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Portoviejo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dport.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Salesians of Don Bosco". https://www.salesianos.org/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Parishes". https://www.arquidiocesisdeportoviejo.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Colegio Salesiano". https://www.salesianos.org/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Caritas Ecuador". https://www.caritas.org.ec/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://www.arquidiocesisdeportoviejo.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Montecristi". https://www.arquidiocesisdeportoviejo.org/santuario/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.