Archdiocese of Tunja
The Diocese of Tunja, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an archdiocese located in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Archbishop Gabriel Ángel Villa Vahos as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Tunja, the archdiocese serves a diverse Catholic community in the Boyacá Department, with 64 parishes and 13 deaneries. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Tunja
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Tunja | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Tunja |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Duitama-Sogamoso; Diocese of Garagoa; Diocese of Yopal |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Boyacá |
| Bishop: | Gabriel Ángel Villa Vahos |
| Website: | https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/ |
| Catholic %: | 80.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 13 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Tunja |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 19 No. 9-65, Tunja, Boyacá |
Establishment
The Archdiocese of Tunja was established on June 26, 1957, by Pope Pius XII, elevating the Diocese of Tunja to archdiocesan status. The diocese was originally founded in 1955, splitting from the Archdiocese of Bogotá.[1]
History
The Archdiocese of Tunja has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the 16th century when the first Catholic missionaries arrived in the region. Over the centuries, the diocese has played a significant role in the spiritual and cultural development of the Boyacá Department. In 1957, the diocese was elevated to archdiocesan status, and since then, it has continued to grow and serve the Catholic community in the region.[2]
Geography
The Archdiocese of Tunja is located in the Boyacá Department of Colombia, covering an area of approximately 18,000 square kilometers. The archdiocese is divided into 13 deaneries, which comprise 64 parishes and 13 municipalities. The geography of the region is characterized by mountains, valleys, and plateaus, with the capital city of Tunja being the largest urban center.[3]
Mother Church
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Tunja, also known as the Tunja Cathedral, is the mother church of the archdiocese. The cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built in the 16th century and has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Gabriel Ángel Villa Vahos has served as the Archbishop of Tunja since 2020. He was previously the Bishop of Ocana and has been a prominent figure in the Colombian Catholic Church.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Pérez Hernández | 1957-1959 | First Archbishop of Tunja. |
| Ángel María Ocampo Berrio | 1959-1970 | Served as Archbishop during a period of significant growth and development in the archdiocese. |
| Augusto Trujillo Arango | 1970-1998 | Played a key role in the spiritual and social development of the region. |
| Luis Augusto Castro Quiroga | 1998-2020 | Served as Archbishop for over 20 years, overseeing significant changes and developments in the archdiocese. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Archdiocese of Tunja has a moderate theological and cultural orientation, with a rating of 3.5. The archdiocese places a strong emphasis on social teachings and community outreach, while also maintaining a strong commitment to traditional Catholic values and practices.[6]
Statistics
The Archdiocese of Tunja serves a population of approximately 1.5 million people, with around 80% identifying as Catholic. The archdiocese has 64 parishes, 13 deaneries, and 120 priests. The archdiocese also operates several Catholic schools, hospitals, and social service programs.[7]
Religious Communities
The Archdiocese of Tunja is home to several religious communities, including the Jesuits, the Franciscans, and the Sisters of Charity. These communities play an important role in the spiritual and social life of the archdiocese, operating schools, hospitals, and social service programs.[8]
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Archdiocese of Tunja (Archdiocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co
- Phone: (8) 742 3333
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2023-09-01
Parishes
| Archdiocese of Tunja |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Tunja has 64 parishes, which are divided into 13 deaneries. The parishes are located throughout the Boyacá Department and serve a diverse Catholic community.[9]
Mission and Services
The Archdiocese of Tunja is committed to serving the spiritual and social needs of the community. The archdiocese operates several Catholic schools, hospitals, and social service programs, including Catholic Charities and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.[10]
Notable Events or Figures
- The Archdiocese of Tunja has a rich cultural heritage, with several notable events and figures, including the Tunja Cathedral and the Feast of the Virgin Mary.
- The archdiocese has also been home to several notable bishops, including Luis Pérez Hernández and Ángel María Ocampo Berrio.
- The archdiocese has a strong commitment to social justice and community outreach, with several programs and initiatives aimed at serving the poor and vulnerable.[11]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Tunja:
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References
- ↑ "Archdiocese of Tunja". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtunj.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Historia". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/historia/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Geografía". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/geografia/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Catedral". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Bishop Gabriel Ángel Villa Vahos". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bvillav.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Doctrina". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/doctrina/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Comunidades". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/comunidades/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Servicios". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/servicios/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Eventos". https://arquidiocesisdetunja.org.co/eventos/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.