Diocese of Benjamín Aceval
The Diocese of Benjamín Aceval, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the departments of Presidente Hayes, Boquerón, and Alto Paraguay in Paraguay. Founded in 1980 by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Amancio Francisco Benítez Celeste as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Asunción, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region with a rich cultural heritage, with 12 parishes and 2 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 1,000 participants in 2022, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Chaco region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Benjamín Aceval
| Diocese: Diocese of Benjamín Aceval | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Asunción |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Asunción |
| Country: | Paraguay |
| Region: | Presidente Hayes, Boquerón, Alto Paraguay |
| Bishop: | Amancio Francisco Benítez Celeste |
| Priests: | 15 |
| Existence: | 1980– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | [[Diocese of Concepción]] |
Establishment
The Diocese of Benjamín Aceval was established on April 21, 1980, by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the departments of Presidente Hayes, Boquerón, and Alto Paraguay, splitting from the Diocese of Concepción.[1]
History
The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the Chaco region. The first Catholic missionaries arrived in the area in the 18th century, and the diocese has since grown to become a vital part of the Catholic Church in Paraguay. In 1980, the diocese was formally established, and its first bishop, Bishop Demetrio Ignacio Aquino Aguilar, was appointed.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the departments of Presidente Hayes, Boquerón, and Alto Paraguay, covering a vast territory of approximately 126,000 square kilometers. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Asunción.[3]
Mother Church
The diocese's mother church is the Cathedral of San Isidro Labrador in Benjamín Aceval, a modern structure built in the 20th century.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Amancio Francisco Benítez Celeste has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Benjamín Aceval since 2023. A native of Paraguay, he has dedicated his ministry to serving the poor and marginalized communities in the Chaco region.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop Demetrio Ignacio Aquino Aguilar | 1980–1998 | First Bishop of Benjamín Aceval. |
| Bishop Catalino Claudio Giménez Medina | 1998–2017 | Served as bishop for 19 years. |
| Bishop Amancio Francisco Benítez Celeste | 2023–present | Current Bishop of Benjamín Aceval. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans towards a balanced approach (rating: 3.0), offering traditional and contemporary liturgical practices, emphasizing social outreach and traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a neutral stance.[6]
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 126,000 square kilometers, serves around 150,000 Catholics across 12 parishes, and has a total population of around 250,000.[7]
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians of Don Bosco operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Benjamín Aceval, Paraguay.[8] Salesians of Don Bosco
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Benjamín Aceval (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocations@diocesibaceval.org
- Phone: (595) 491 234
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Diocese of Benjamín Aceval |
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The Diocese of Benjamín Aceval, covering the departments of Presidente Hayes, Boquerón, and Alto Paraguay, is a vibrant missionary diocese established in 1980 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 12 parishes across 2 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 5 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escuela San Isidro Labrador | Benjamín Aceval | Elementary School | Escuela San Isidro Labrador |
Community Outreach
The diocese's community outreach program provides support to over 1,000 families in need, offering food, shelter, and education.[10]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 1,000 participants from across the region.[11]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Benjamín Aceval:
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References
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