Diocese of Amargosa
The Diocese of Amargosa, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the state of Bahia in Brazil. Founded on 10 May 1966 by Pope Paul VI, it is led by Bishop Juraci Gomes de Oliveira since 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Salvador da Bahia, the diocese ministers to a Catholic population in a region marked by strong Marian devotion and rural communities. It maintains 22 parishes serving the faithful across its territory. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Amargosa
| Diocese: Diocese of Amargosa | |
| 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: | Juraci Gomes de Oliveira |
| Website: | https://diocesedeamargosa.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1966– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Monsenhor José de Anchieta, 50, Amargosa, BA 45340-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Amargosa was established on 10 May 1966 by Pope Paul VI through the bull "Cum Urbs Amargosa" to serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Bahia, taking territory from the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in northeastern Brazil during the mid-twentieth century. Its first bishop, José Maria Pires, guided initial organization and pastoral development. Subsequent bishops oversaw the construction of the cathedral and the strengthening of rural parishes.
Geography
The diocese covers parts of the Recôncavo Baiano and surrounding municipalities in Bahia, including Amargosa, Mutuípe, and neighboring areas. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Salvador da Bahia.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Amargosa serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Juraci Gomes de Oliveira has served as bishop since 2023. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop in another Brazilian diocese before his appointment to Amargosa.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Maria Pires | 1966–1976 | First bishop; later transferred to the Archdiocese of Paraíba. |
| Almir Marques Ferreira | 1976–1988 | Oversaw pastoral expansion in rural areas. |
| Mauro Montagnoli | 1989–1993 | Transferred to the Diocese of Ilhéus. |
| João Nílton dos Santos Souza | 1994–2002 | Focused on catechesis and youth ministry. |
| Hélio Gonçalves Heleno | 2003–2015 | Emphasized social outreach and seminary formation. |
| Valdemiro de Oliveira | 2016–2022 | Promoted vocations before retirement. |
| Juraci Gomes de Oliveira | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices in the Novus Ordo alongside occasional traditional devotions, equal attention to doctrinal teaching and community service, and leadership focused on pastoral care in rural settings.
Statistics
The diocese serves approximately 250,000 Catholics across 22 parishes in its territory.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians support youth education and parish ministry within the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises 22 parishes organized for pastoral coordination.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports several Catholic schools focused on faith formation and basic education.
Community Outreach
Programs through Caritas and local parishes address poverty alleviation and family support.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI as part of the Church's response to pastoral needs in Brazil's interior.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Amargosa:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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