Diocese of Baní

The Diocese of Baní, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Dominican Republic. Erected on 8 July 1997 by Pope John Paul II, it serves the faithful in the southern region centered on the city of Baní. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santo Domingo, the diocese supports a growing Catholic population through its parishes and pastoral initiatives. A notable aspect is its dedication to serving rural and coastal communities in Peravia Province while maintaining strong ties to the broader Church in the Caribbean.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Baní

Diocese: Diocese of Baní
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Santo Domingo
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Santo Domingo
Country:	Dominican Republic
Region:	Peravia Province and surrounding areas
Bishop:	Alfredo José Espinoza Mateus
Existence:	1997–
Rating:	3.5
Chancery Address:	Baní, Dominican Republic

Establishment

The Diocese of Baní was established on 8 July 1997 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the southern part of the Dominican Republic, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo.

History

The diocese was created amid efforts to reorganize ecclesiastical territories in the Dominican Republic during the late twentieth century. Its territory includes areas historically served by missionaries in the colonial period, though the modern diocese focuses on contemporary pastoral needs in a region with both urban centers and rural communities.

Geography

The diocese covers Peravia Province and adjacent areas in the southern Dominican Republic. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santo Domingo.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Baní serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Alfredo José Espinoza Mateus has served as bishop since his appointment.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Príamo Pericles Tejeda Rosario	1997–2004	First Bishop of Baní; transferred to Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana.
Freddy Antonio de Jesús Bretón Martínez	2004–2015	Served as Bishop of Baní; transferred to Archdiocese of Santiago de los Caballeros.
Alfredo José Espinoza Mateus	2017–present	Current Bishop of Baní.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices in the Latin Rite alongside community outreach programs.

Statistics

The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in the Dominican Republic.

Religious Communities

Religious orders active in the diocese support parish ministry and education.

Parishes

The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving local communities.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees Catholic schools in its territory.

Community Outreach

Programs focus on social services and evangelization in rural areas.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II as part of broader Church restructuring in the Caribbean.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Baní:

Did you know? The Diocese of Baní was erected in 1997, making it one of the newer dioceses in the Dominican Republic and reflecting the Church's response to population growth in the south.

Surprise! Its territory includes coastal areas near the Caribbean Sea, where local parishes blend traditional devotions with the vibrant culture of the Dominican people.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

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External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo]