Diocese of Arauca

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The Diocese of Arauca, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Arauca Department in Colombia. Founded on 26 April 1977 by Pope Paul VI, it is led by Bishop Jaime Cristóbal Abril González as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Nueva Pamplona, the diocese serves a diverse Catholic community in a region known for its agricultural production and cultural heritage, with 23 parishes and 2 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 Arauca

Diocese: Diocese of Arauca
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Nueva Pamplona
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona
Country:Colombia
Region:Arauca Department
Bishop:Jaime Cristóbal Abril González
Priests:25
Existence:1977–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Duitama

Establishment

The Diocese of Arauca was established on 26 April 1977 by Pope Paul VI, splitting from the Diocese of Duitama to serve the growing Catholic population in the Arauca Department.[1]

History

The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region, with the first Catholic presence dating back to the 16th century. Over the centuries, the area has been part of various dioceses, eventually leading to the creation of the Diocese of Arauca in 1977. The diocese has been led by several bishops, each contributing to its growth and development.

Geography

The diocese spans the entire Arauca Department, including the municipalities of Arauca, Arauquita, Cravo Norte, Fortul, Puerto Rondón, Saravena, and Tame. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Nueva Pamplona.[2]

Mother Church

The Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Arauca serves as the diocese's mother church, a beautiful example of modern Colombian architecture.[3]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Jaime Cristóbal Abril González has served as the bishop of Arauca since 2023. A former priest in the Archdiocese of Bogotá, he focuses on social outreach and education.[4]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Jorge Ardila Serrano 1977–1988 First Bishop of Arauca.
José Luis Serna Alzate 1989–2012 Led the diocese through a period of significant growth.
Jaime Cristóbal Abril González 2023–present Current Bishop of Arauca.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[5]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese leans towards a balanced approach (rating: 3.0), offering a mix of traditional and contemporary liturgical practices, emphasizing social outreach alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[6]

Statistics

The diocese covers approximately 33,220 square kilometers, serves around 250,000 Catholics across 23 parishes, and has a total population of over 300,000.[7]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Arauca, Colombia.[8]

Vocations

Vocations Contact for Diocese of Arauca (Diocese) • Both

  • Contact: Rev. Juan Pérez
  • Email: vocations@diocesedeArauca.org
  • Phone: (57) 7 722 2222
  • Website: Official Vocations Page
  • Notes: General vocations office
  • Last Verified: May 22, 2026


Parishes

Diocese of Arauca

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

The Diocese of Arauca, covering the Arauca Department, is a vibrant Catholic community with 23 parishes and 2 missions, serving diverse communities through spiritual and communal support. The diocese includes a variety of churches, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[9]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese manages several schools:

School Name City Type Website
Colegio María Inmaculada Arauca High School Colegio María Inmaculada[10]

Community Outreach

The diocese's community outreach programs provide services to over 10,000 people annually.[11]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[12]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Arauca:


  • Did you know? The Diocese of Arauca was established in 1977, and its first bishop was Jorge Ardila Serrano, who played a crucial role in the diocese's early development!
  • Surprise! The Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Arauca is a beautiful example of modern Colombian architecture and serves as the diocese's mother church.
  • Fun fact: The diocese is home to several indigenous communities, including the Wayúu and the Cuiva, who have their own distinct cultural traditions and languages.
  • Here's something cool: The Diocese of Arauca has a strong focus on social outreach and education, with several programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the local community.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese is located in the Arauca Department, which is known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, with several national parks and protected areas.
  • Wow moment: The diocese has a vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
  • Did you know? The diocese is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Nueva Pamplona, which includes several other dioceses in the region.
  • Surprise! The diocese has a strong presence of religious orders, including the Jesuits, who operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese.
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    References

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    5. "Diocese of Arauca". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/darau.html. Retrieved 2026-05-05. 
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    External Links