Diocese of Arauca
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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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:
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Associated saints
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Diocesan photos
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References
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