Diocese of Almenara
The Diocese of Almenara, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Established on 15 August 1963 by Pope Paul VI, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Diamantina and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop José Carlos Brandão Cabral, who was appointed in 2018. It plays a vital role in fostering faith, education, and social outreach amid the diverse cultural landscape of the Jequitinhonha Valley.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Almenara
| Diocese: Diocese of Almenara | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Diamantina |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Diamantina |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Minas Gerais |
| Bishop: | José Carlos Brandão Cabral |
| Website: | https://www.diocesedealmenara.org.br |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 28 |
| Existence: | 1963– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Monsenhor José Alves, 120
Almenara, MG 39900-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Almenara was established on 15 August 1963 by Pope Paul VI through the apostolic constitution "Quo Facilius", carved from territory previously belonging to the Diocese of Araçuaí to better serve the growing Catholic communities in the Jequitinhonha Valley region of northern Minas Gerais.
History
The territory that now comprises the diocese has roots in early missionary efforts by Portuguese Franciscans in the 18th century. Following its erection in 1963, the diocese focused on building parishes and schools in remote areas. Boundary adjustments occurred in 1974 when portions were transferred to the newly created Diocese of Janaúba.
Geography
The diocese covers the northern portion of Minas Gerais, including the municipalities of Almenara, Águas Vermelhas, Bandeira, Cachoeira de Pajeú, Divisópolis, Felisburgo, Jacinto, Jequitinhonha, Joaíma, Jordânia, Monte Formoso, Palmópolis, Pedra Azul, Rio do Prado, Rubim, Salto da Divisa, and Santa Maria do Salto.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Almenara serves as the mother church of the diocese. Constructed in the mid-20th century in a simple neoclassical style, it was elevated to cathedral status upon the diocese's founding.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop José Carlos Brandão Cabral has served as bishop since 2018. A native of the region, he previously served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte.
Auxiliary Bishops
None at present.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Gonçalves da Silva | 1963–1976 | First bishop; oversaw initial organization of the diocese. |
| José Alves de Siqueira | 1977–1997 | Expanded educational and pastoral initiatives. |
| Diogo de Oliveira | 1998–2017 | Focused on rural evangelization; retired. |
| José Carlos Brandão Cabral | 2018–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard celebration of the Novus Ordo alongside occasional traditional devotions, equal attention to both social outreach programs and core moral teachings, and leadership that emphasizes pastoral care in rural settings.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 22,000 square miles (57,000 km²), serves around 180,000 registered Catholics across 28 parishes, and ministers to a total population of approximately 260,000.
Religious Communities
Franciscans
The Franciscans assist in parish ministry and youth formation in several rural communities.
Parishes
| Diocese of Almenara |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese comprises 28 parishes organized into four deaneries, serving both urban centers and scattered rural settlements throughout the Jequitinhonha Valley.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates 15 Catholic schools providing primary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs in the diocese focus on food distribution, health clinics, and support for families in economically challenged areas of the valley.
Notable Events or Figures
- The first bishop, José Gonçalves da Silva, personally visited every parish by horseback during his early years to strengthen community ties.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Almenara:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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