Diocese of Balsas

The Diocese of Balsas, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the southern portion of the state of Maranhão in Brazil. It was established on 3 October 1975 by Pope Paul VI to serve the growing Catholic population in the region. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão, the diocese encompasses a vast rural territory and supports numerous parishes and missions. A notable aspect of its history is its rapid development from mission territory into a fully organized diocese focused on evangelization in the Brazilian interior. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Balsas

Diocese: Diocese of Balsas
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão
Country:	Brazil
Region:	Maranhão
Bishop:	José Valdeci Mendes Santos
Existence:	1975–
Chancery Address:	Curia Diocesana, C.P. 18, Praça Getúlio Vargas 149, Centro, 65800-000 Balsas, MA, Brazil

Establishment

The Diocese of Balsas was established on 3 October 1975 by Pope Paul VI to serve the growing Catholic population in southern Maranhão, Brazil.

History

The territory that forms the Diocese of Balsas was previously part of the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão. Following its erection, the diocese focused on organizing parishes and establishing pastoral structures in a predominantly rural area.

Geography

The diocese covers southern Maranhão, including municipalities such as Balsas, São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, and surrounding areas. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Balsas serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

José Valdeci Mendes Santos has served as bishop since 2016.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Frei Rino Carlesi, OFM	1976–1991	First bishop; oversaw initial organization of the diocese.
Frei Luís Dâmaso, OFM	1991–1998	Transferred to another see.
Frei Adalberto Paulo da Silva, OFM Cap.	1999–2016	Retired.
José Valdeci Mendes Santos	2016–present	Current bishop.

Statistics

The diocese covers a large rural area in southern Maranhão and serves a Catholic population across multiple parishes.

Religious Communities

Religious orders active in the diocese include the Franciscans, who have contributed to parish ministry and evangelization since the diocese's founding.

Parishes

The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized across its territory.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools and catechetical programs throughout its parishes.

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities and local initiatives provide social services to the faithful in the region.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was erected in 1975 to address pastoral needs in the expanding interior of Maranhão.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Balsas:

Did you know? The Diocese of Balsas was erected in 1975 by Pope Paul VI, marking a new chapter for Catholic life in southern Maranhão.

Surprise! Franciscan bishops have guided the diocese from its earliest days, bringing a strong tradition of missionary service to the region.

Here's something cool: The cathedral in Balsas is dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception and stands as the spiritual heart of the diocese.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

No results

External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão]