Diocese of Brejo

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Brejo

Diocese: Diocese of Brejo
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of São Luís do Maranhão
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão
Country:	Brazil
Region:	Maranhão
Bishop:	José Valdeci Santos Mendes
Existence:	1971–
Rating:	3.5
Chancery Address:	Travessa João Magno Bacelar, 250, Brejo - MA, 65520-000, Brazil

The Diocese of Brejo, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Maranhão in Brazil. Established in 1971 by Pope Paul VI, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese maintains its pastoral focus on evangelization and community support in the northeastern region of the country.

Establishment

The Diocese of Brejo was established on 12 August 1971 by Pope Paul VI to serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Maranhão, separating territory from the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão.

History

The diocese developed through missionary efforts in rural northeastern Brazil, with emphasis on parish formation and catechesis amid regional social challenges. Boundary adjustments occurred in later decades to align with population shifts.

Geography

The diocese covers portions of the state of Maranhão in Brazil, including municipalities in the Brejo microregion and surrounding areas. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão.

Mother Church

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

Leadership

Current Bishop

José Valdeci Santos Mendes has served as bishop since 2016.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Afonso de Oliveira Lima	1971–1991	First bishop; oversaw initial organization.
Valter Carrijo	1991–1999	Transferred to another see.
José Valdeci Santos Mendes	2016–present	Current bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and equal attention to traditional moral teachings and community outreach programs.

Statistics

The diocese serves registered Catholics across multiple parishes in its territory.

Religious Communities

Limited information on specific religious communities is available in public records.

Parishes

The diocese organizes its parishes across several municipalities in Maranhão.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports basic educational initiatives in its parishes.

Community Outreach

Pastoral programs address local needs in rural communities.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was erected during a period of expansion of the Catholic Church in Brazil's interior regions.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Brejo:

Did you know? The Diocese of Brejo was created in 1971 to bring the Church closer to rural families in Maranhão's interior.

Surprise! Its mother church honors Our Lady of the Conception, reflecting deep Marian devotion in the region.

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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 São Luís do Maranhão]