Diocese of Ambato
The Diocese of Ambato, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the provinces of Tungurahua, Pastaza, and Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Founded in 1961 by Pope John XXIII, it is led by Bishop Jorge Giovanny Pazmiño Abril as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito, the diocese serves a diverse Catholic community in a region known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, with 54 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Ambato
| Diocese: Diocese of Ambato | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Quito |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Quito |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Tungurahua, Pastaza, and Cotopaxi |
| Bishop: | Jorge Giovanny Pazmiño Abril |
| Website: | https://diocesisambato.org.ec/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 100 |
| Existence: | 1961– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Quito |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle Bolivar 14-37 y Chile, Ambato, Tungurahua |
Establishment
The Diocese of Ambato was established on April 28, 1961, by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the provinces of Tungurahua, Pastaza, and Cotopaxi, splitting from the Archdiocese of Quito.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its first bishop, Bernardino Carlos Guillermo Honorato Echeverría Ruiz, playing a significant role in the region's Catholic development. The diocese has been involved in various social and charitable activities, including education, healthcare, and community outreach.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the provinces of Tungurahua, Pastaza, and Cotopaxi, covering an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito.[3]
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Ambato, a beautiful structure built in the 19th century, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Jorge Giovanny Pazmiño Abril has served as the bishop of Ambato since 2015. A former rector of the Catholic University of Ecuador, he focuses on education and social outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bernardino Carlos Guillermo Honorato Echeverría Ruiz | 1961–1976 | First Bishop of Ambato. |
| Luis Alberto Luna Tobar | 1977–1981 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Cuenca. |
| Antonio José González Zumárraga | 1981–2003 | Retired. |
| Germán Horacio Valenzuela Torres | 2003–2010 | Transferred to Diocese of Guayaquil. |
| Jorge Giovanny Pazmiño Abril | 2015–present | Current Bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgical practices, emphasizing social outreach, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers, serves 1.2 million registered Catholics across 54 parishes, and has a total population of 1.5 million.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle Bolivar 14-37 y Chile, Ambato, Tungurahua.[9] Jesuitas
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital. Address: Calle Sucre 12-34 y Rocafuerte, Ambato, Tungurahua.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Ambato (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Morales
- Email: vocaciones@diocesisambato.org.ec
- Phone: (03) 282-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: February 20, 2023
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Ambato, covering the provinces of Tungurahua, Pastaza, and Cotopaxi, is a vibrant missionary diocese established in 1961 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 54 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[11]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio San José | Ambato | High School | Colegio San José[12] |
Community Outreach
The diocese provides various community services, including healthcare, education, and social outreach, through its Caritas organization.[13]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants.[14]
- The diocese is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Quinche, a popular pilgrimage site.[15]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Ambato:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Ambato". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dambo.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis de Ambato". https://diocesisambato.org.ec/historia/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Diocese of Ambato". https://www.ecuadortimes.net/2019/02/20/diocese-of-ambato/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Catedral de Ambato". https://diocesisambato.org.ec/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Bishop Jorge Giovanny Pazmiño Abril". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bpazmino.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Diocese of Ambato". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dambo.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Pastoral de la Diócesis de Ambato". https://diocesisambato.org.ec/pastoral/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Estadísticas de la Diócesis de Ambato". https://diocesisambato.org.ec/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Ecuador". https://www.jesuitas.org.ec/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org.ec/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Parroquias de la Diócesis de Ambato". https://diocesisambato.org.ec/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Colegio San José". https://colegiosanjose.edu.ec/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Caritas de la Diócesis de Ambato". https://diocesisambato.org.ec/caritas/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Diocese of Ambato". https://www.ecuadortimes.net/2019/02/20/diocese-of-ambato/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Quinche". https://diocesisambato.org.ec/santuario/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.