Diocese of Alagoinhas
The Diocese of Alagoinhas, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the northeastern region of Brazil. Erected on 28 October 1974 by Pope Paul VI, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Salvador da Bahia and serves the faithful across multiple municipalities in the state of Bahia. The diocese maintains a focus on pastoral care, evangelization, and community support within a predominantly rural and historically Catholic area. Its mother church is the Cathedral of Saint Anthony in the city of Alagoinhas.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Alagoinhas
| Diocese: Diocese of Alagoinhas | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of São Salvador da Bahia |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Bahia |
| Bishop: | Paulo Romeiro Fernandes da Silva |
| Website: | https://www.diocesedealagoinhas.org.br |
| Existence: | 1974– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Monsenhor José Gomes, 200, Alagoinhas, BA 48030-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Alagoinhas was established on 28 October 1974 by Pope Paul VI through the bull "Cum Urbs Alagoinhas" to better serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Bahia, previously under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church's presence in northeastern Brazil during the mid-20th century. Its territory was carved from parts of the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia and the Diocese of Feira de Santana. Early development focused on establishing parishes and addressing the needs of rural communities. The see has remained stable without suppression or major boundary changes since its founding.
Geography
The Diocese of Alagoinhas covers parts of the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, including the municipalities of Alagoinhas, Araçás, Aramari, Biritinga, Candeias, Catu, Conceição do Jacuípe, Coraci, Entre Rios, Esplanada, Inhambupe, Itanagra, Jandaíra, Mata de São João, Olindina, Ouriçangas, Pojuca, Rio Real, São Sebastião do Passé, and Teodoro Sampaio.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint Anthony in Alagoinhas serves as the mother church of the diocese. The structure reflects local architectural traditions and functions as the central place of worship and diocesan ceremonies.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Paulo Romeiro Fernandes da Silva has served as bishop since 2023. He previously held pastoral roles in other Brazilian dioceses before his appointment to Alagoinhas.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hildebrando Mendes Costa | 1974–1992 | First bishop; oversaw initial organization of the diocese. |
| Adalberto Paulo da Silva | 1992–1997 | Transferred to another see. |
| Jaime Vieira Rocha | 1997–2004 | Later transferred to the Diocese of Campina Grande. |
| Cristiano Jakob Krapf | 2005–2014 | Focused on pastoral renewal. |
| Paulo Romeiro Fernandes da Silva | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices centered on the Novus Ordo while incorporating traditional devotions common in northeastern Brazil. Emphasis is placed equally on core moral teachings and community outreach programs addressing local social needs. Leadership under the current bishop follows mainstream Catholic priorities without strong alignment to progressive or traditionalist extremes.
Statistics
The diocese encompasses a significant portion of eastern Bahia and serves thousands of registered Catholics across its parishes.
Religious Communities
Limited information is available on specific religious communities currently active in the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized to serve its geographic territory.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic education through schools in its territory.
Community Outreach
Pastoral initiatives include support for families and rural communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was founded during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI as part of broader ecclesiastical reorganization in Brazil.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Alagoinhas:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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