Diocese of Azul
The Diocese of Azul, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the central region of Argentina. Erected in 1934 by Pope Pius XI, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of La Plata and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across parts of Buenos Aires Province. The diocese maintains a focus on pastoral care in agricultural communities and is currently led by Bishop Gustavo Manuel de Jesús Matamoros since 2023. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Azul
| Diocese: Diocese of Azul | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of La Plata |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of La Plata |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Buenos Aires Province |
| Bishop: | Gustavo Manuel de Jesús Matamoros |
| Website: | https://www.diocesisdeazul.org.ar |
| Existence: | 1934– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 25 de Mayo 680
Azul, Buenos Aires B7300 Argentina |
Establishment
The Diocese of Azul was established on 11 February 1934 by Pope Pius XI through the bull "Ad maius religionis incrementum", carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of La Plata to better serve the growing Catholic communities in the central pampas region of Argentina.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in rural Argentina during the early twentieth century. Its territory has remained largely stable since erection, with emphasis on evangelization among farming families and the development of local parishes and schools. No major boundary changes or elevations have occurred.
Geography
The Diocese of Azul covers portions of central Buenos Aires Province, including the city of Azul and surrounding rural districts. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of La Plata.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Azul serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Gustavo Manuel de Jesús Matamoros has served as bishop since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antonio José Plaza | 1934–1946 | First bishop; transferred to La Plata. |
| Manuel Marengo | 1946–1951 | Appointed bishop of Azul. |
| César Augusto Cáneva | 1951–1956 | Transferred to another see. |
| Antonio José Plaza | 1956–1962 | Returned as bishop. |
| Luis Juan Tomatti | 1962–1972 | Retired. |
| Emilio Ogñénovich | 1972–1982 | Transferred to Mercedes-Luján. |
| José María Arancibia | 1982–1993 | Transferred to Mendoza. |
| Guillermo José Garlatti | 1994–2000 | Transferred to San Carlos de Bariloche. |
| Guillermo Ilarregui | 2000–2005 | Retired. |
| Hugo Manuel Salaberry Goyeneche | 2005–2023 | Retired. |
| Gustavo Manuel de Jesús Matamoros | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and equal attention to traditional moral teachings and community outreach programs.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in Buenos Aires Province.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include various congregations engaged in education and parish ministry.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving urban and rural communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools throughout its territory.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and local initiatives provide social services to families in the region.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected to strengthen pastoral presence in the Argentine pampas.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Azul:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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