Diocese of Apucarana
The Diocese of Apucarana, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the state of Paraná in Brazil. Founded on 28 November 1964 by Pope Paul VI, it serves the Catholic population across northern Paraná. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Maringá, the diocese supports evangelization, education, and social outreach in both urban and rural communities. Its current bishop is Celso Antônio Marchiori, who has led the see since 2018. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Apucarana
| Diocese: Diocese of Apucarana | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Maringá |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Maringá |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Paraná |
| Bishop: | Celso Antônio Marchiori |
| Website: | https://www.diocesedeapucarana.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1964– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Londrina |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua XV de Novembro, 675, Apucarana, PR 86800-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Apucarana was erected on 28 November 1964 by Pope Paul VI from territory previously belonging to the Diocese of Londrina to serve the expanding Catholic population in northern Paraná.
History
The diocese was created amid rapid population growth and agricultural development in the region during the mid-twentieth century. Its first bishop, Bishop Sabiniano Maria de Oliveira, was appointed in 1965 and oversaw the construction of the cathedral and initial parish network. Subsequent bishops expanded educational and charitable works while maintaining fidelity to the Latin Rite.
Geography
The diocese covers the northern portion of the state of Paraná, including the municipalities of Apucarana, Arapongas, and surrounding areas. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Maringá.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Apucarana serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Celso Antônio Marchiori has served as bishop since 2018. A native of the region, he previously served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Curitiba.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sabiniano Maria de Oliveira | 1965–1971 | First bishop; oversaw erection of the see. |
| Romeu Schneider | 1971–1977 | Transferred to another see. |
| Domingos Gabriel Wisniewski | 1977–1989 | Oversaw pastoral expansion. |
| Albano Bortoletto Cavallin | 1989–1997 | Later became archbishop. |
| Luis Vicente Bernetti | 1997–2005 | Focused on social outreach. |
| Carlos Pedro Zilli | 2005–2018 | Emphasized evangelization. |
| Celso Antônio Marchiori | 2018–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating 3.5), with standard celebration of the Novus Ordo alongside occasional traditional practices and equal attention to doctrinal formation and community service programs.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across multiple municipalities in northern Paraná.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include the Salesians and various congregations dedicated to education and healthcare.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized under local deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates several Catholic schools focused on faith formation and academic excellence.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and parish-based programs provide assistance to families in need throughout the territory.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI to address pastoral needs in a developing agricultural region.
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