Archdiocese of Santarém
The Diocese of Archdiocese of Santarém, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the western portion of the state of Pará in Brazil. Founded in 1903 by Pope Pius X as a diocese and elevated to archdiocesan status in 2019, it serves as the metropolitan see for several suffragan dioceses in the Amazon region. Led by Archbishop Fernando Barbosa dos Santos as of 2023, the archdiocese forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santarém and ministers to a Catholic population amid vast riverine and rainforest territories. A notable aspect is its role in supporting indigenous and riverine communities through longstanding missionary efforts dating to the early twentieth century.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Santarém
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Santarém | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Santarém |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Óbidos; Diocese of Parintins; Diocese of Xingu-Altamira |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Pará |
| Bishop: | Fernando Barbosa dos Santos |
| Website: | https://www.arquidiocesedesantarem.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1903– |
| Chancery Address: | Curia Diocesana, Rua Wilson Dias da Fonseca 632, C.P. 133, 68005-040 Santarém, PA, Brazil |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Santarém was erected as a diocese on 28 December 1903 by Pope Pius X, carved from territory previously under the Diocese of Belém do Pará to serve the growing Catholic presence along the Amazon and Tapajós rivers.
History
Early Years
Established to address pastoral needs in the remote interior of Pará, the see initially focused on missionary work among indigenous populations and settlers.
Elevation to Archdiocese
On 6 November 2019 the diocese was raised to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese by Pope Francis, with new suffragan sees assigned to it.
Geography
The archdiocese covers a large area of western Pará state, including municipalities along the Amazon River and its tributaries.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Santarém serves as the mother church.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Archbishop Fernando Barbosa dos Santos, C.M., has served since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amando Bahlmann, O.F.M. | 1904–1909 | First bishop; transferred. |
| Irineu de Souza | 1911–1913 | Died in office. |
| Miguel de Lima Valverde | 1915–1923 | Transferred to Curitiba. |
| João de Oliveira Matos | 1924–1931 | Died in office. |
| João de Souza Lima | 1931–1942 | Transferred. |
| Tiago Postma | 1943–1955 | Died in office. |
| Anselmo Pietrulla, O.F.M. | 1955–1977 | Retired. |
| Tiago Ryan, O.F.M. | 1978–1985 | Transferred. |
| José Vieira de Lima | 1986–1990 | Transferred. |
| Lino Vescovi, O.F.M. | 1990–2000 | Retired. |
| Esmeraldo Barreto de Farias | 2000–2004 | Transferred. |
| Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz | 2004–2009 | Transferred. |
| Flávio Giovenale, S.D.B. | 2009–2019 | Last bishop; became first archbishop. |
| Fernando Barbosa dos Santos, C.M. | 2023–present | Current archbishop. |
Statistics
The archdiocese covers a vast territory in western Pará and serves thousands of Catholics across numerous parishes.
Religious Communities
Historical and present religious orders include the Franciscans and Salesians who have contributed to education and pastoral care.
Parishes
The archdiocese comprises numerous parishes organized under deaneries throughout the region.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
Catholic schools operate in Santarém and surrounding areas.
Community Outreach
Programs focus on social assistance for riverine and indigenous communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- Early bishops promoted Amazonian evangelization in the first half of the twentieth century.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Santarém:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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References
External Links
- Official website
- [Cathedral website]