Diocese of Barahona
The Diocese of Barahona, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Dominican Republic. Established in 1977 by Pope Paul VI, it serves the southwestern region of the country as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santo Domingo. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Andrés Napoleón Romero Cárdenas, who was appointed in 2015. It encompasses a growing Catholic community across several provinces, with its mother church located in the city of Barahona. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Barahona
| Diocese: Diocese of Barahona | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Santo Domingo |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Santo Domingo |
| Country: | Dominican Republic |
| Region: | Barahona, Independencia, Pedernales, Bahoruco |
| Bishop: | Andrés Napoleón Romero Cárdenas |
| Website: | https://diocesisdebarahona.org |
| Existence: | 1977– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle Anacaona 15, Barahona, Dominican Republic |
Establishment
The Diocese of Barahona was established on 24 April 1977 by Pope Paul VI to serve the growing Catholic population in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic, carved from territory previously under the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo.
History
The diocese was created amid efforts to better organize pastoral care in rural and coastal areas of the southwest. Its territory has remained stable since founding, with focus on evangelization among local communities.
Geography
The diocese covers the provinces of Barahona, Independencia, Pedernales, and Bahoruco in the southwestern Dominican Republic. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santo Domingo.
Mother Church
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Barahona serves as the diocese’s mother church.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Andrés Napoleón Romero Cárdenas has served as bishop since 2015.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fabio Mamerto Rivas Santos, S.D.B. | 1977–1999 | First Bishop of Barahona; retired. |
| Rafael Leónidas Felipe y Núñez | 1999–2005 | Transferred to Diocese of Barahona wait, to another see. |
| Andrés Napoleón Romero Cárdenas | 2015–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and equal emphasis on traditional teachings and community outreach.
Statistics
The diocese serves the Catholic population across its four provinces.
Religious Communities
No major religious communities are prominently documented at this time.
Parishes
The diocese includes multiple parishes across its territory.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in the region.
Community Outreach
Local programs provide social services through parish initiatives.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected to strengthen the Church presence in the southwest.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Barahona:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results