Diocese of Bragança do Pará
The Diocese of Bragança do Pará, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the northern Brazilian state of Pará. Erected in 1903 by Pope Pius X, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Belém do Pará and ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population across extensive Amazonian territory. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Jesús María Cizaurre Berdonces, O.A.R., who has served since 2016. Its territory includes historic mission areas that reflect the Church’s longstanding presence in the Brazilian Amazon. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Bragança do Pará
| Diocese: Diocese of Bragança do Pará | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Belém do Pará |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Belém do Pará |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Pará |
| Bishop: | Jesús María Cizaurre Berdonces |
| Website: | https://www.diocesedebraganca.org.br |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 48 |
| Existence: | 1903– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua 13 de Maio, 1234
Bragança, PA 68600-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Bragança do Pará was erected on 29 July 1903 by Pope Pius X as the Territorial Prelature of Gurupi, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Belém do Pará. It was later elevated to diocesan status on 16 February 1952 and renamed the Diocese of Bragança do Pará.
History
Early Years
Missionary activity in the region dates to the seventeenth century with Capuchin and Jesuit presence among indigenous communities. The formal ecclesiastical structure began with the 1903 erection to serve the growing Catholic population along the Gurupi River and coastal areas of Pará.
Elevation and Modern Era
The see was raised to a diocese in 1952. Boundary adjustments occurred in 1963 and 1981 to accommodate population growth and the creation of neighboring dioceses.
Geography
The diocese covers the northeastern portion of the state of Pará, including the municipalities of Bragança, Augusto Corrêa, Capanema, Igarapé-Açu, Ourém, Peixe-Boi, Primavera, Quatipuru, Salinópolis, São João de Pirabas, Tracuateua, and Viseu.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint Anthony of Padua in Bragança serves as the mother church. The present structure was consecrated in 1962 in a modern style incorporating local materials.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Jesús María Cizaurre Berdonces, O.A.R., has served as bishop since 2016. A member of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, he previously served as a missionary in Brazil.
Auxiliary Bishops
None at present.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco de Paula Silva, C.M. | 1903–1909 | First ordinary; appointed Bishop of São Luís de Cáceres. |
| Albino Gonçalves Pereira | 1911–1921 | Resigned. |
| Amandus Bahlmann, O.F.M. | 1921–1931 | Died in office. |
| Eliseu Maria Coroli, C.S. | 1932–1952 | Became first Bishop of Bragança do Pará upon elevation. |
| José Afonso de Moura, C.S.S.R. | 1952–1967 | Retired. |
| Miguel Fenelon Câmara, S.S.S. | 1967–1970 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Belém do Pará. |
| Antônio de Almeida Moraes Júnior | 1971–1978 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Niterói. |
| Miguel Fenelon Câmara | 1978–1990 | Returned as diocesan bishop; retired. |
| Carlos José Ruis e Silva | 1990–2004 | Retired. |
| José Maria Pires | 2004–2016 | Retired. |
| Jesús María Cizaurre Berdonces, O.A.R. | 2016–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.8), with traditional devotional practices prominent in rural parishes, balanced attention to both doctrinal formation and social outreach programs, and leadership that emphasizes fidelity to Church teaching.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 35,000 square kilometers and serves roughly 480,000 registered Catholics in 48 parishes.
Religious Communities
Augustinian Recollects
The Order of Augustinian Recollects provides parish ministry and formation programs. Address: Rua 13 de Maio, 1234, Bragança, PA.
Parishes
| Diocese of Bragança do Pará |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into five deaneries covering the coastal and riverine municipalities of northeastern Pará.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates fifteen Catholic schools serving elementary and secondary students.
Community Outreach
Caritas and diocesan social services provide assistance to families in remote Amazonian communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- The first bishop, Francisco de Paula Silva, C.M., established the initial network of mission stations in 1904.
- Bishop Eliseu Maria Coroli oversaw the transition to full diocesan status in 1952.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Bragança do Pará:
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Diocesan photos
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