Diocese of Caacupé

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The Diocese of Caacupé, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the department of Cordillera in Paraguay. Founded in 1960 by Pope John XXIII, it is led by Bishop Ricardo Jorge Valenzuela Ríos as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Asunción, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its strong faith and cultural heritage, with 25 parishes and 5 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant pilgrimage site, the Basilica of Caacupé, which draws thousands of devotees annually, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in Paraguay.

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Diocese: Diocese of Caacupé
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Ecclesiastical Province of Asunción
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Asunción
Country:Paraguay
Region:Cordillera
Bishop:Ricardo Jorge Valenzuela Ríos
Existence:1960–

Establishment

The Diocese of Caacupé was established on April 29, 1960, by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the department of Cordillera, splitting from the Archdiocese of Asunción.[1]

History

The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in Paraguay, with the area being part of the Archdiocese of Asunción until its establishment as a separate diocese in 1960. Since then, it has grown to include 25 parishes and 5 missions, serving the spiritual needs of the local community.[2]

Geography

The diocese spans the department of Cordillera in Paraguay, including:

  • Caacupé
  • Atyrá
  • Altos de la Cordillera
  • Arroyos y Esteros
  • Atyrá
  • Capellania
  • Emboscada
  • Eusebio Ayala
  • Isla Pucú
  • Itacurubí de la Cordillera
  • Juan de Mena
  • Loma Grande
  • Mbocayaty del Yhaguy
  • Nueva Colombia
  • Paraguarí
  • Piribebuy
  • Primero de Marzo
  • San Bernardino
  • San José Obrero
  • Santa Elena
  • Tacaaglé
  • Valenzuela
  • Ybycuí

It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Asunción.[3]

Mother Church

The Basilica of Caacupé in Caacupé, a beautiful structure dedicated to the Virgin of Caacupé, serves as the diocese’s mother church and a major pilgrimage site in Paraguay.[4]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Ricardo Jorge Valenzuela Ríos has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Caacupé since 2017. A native of Paraguay, he has focused on strengthening the faith and community in the diocese.[5]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Ismael Blas Rolón Silvero 1960–1970 First Bishop of Caacupé.
Demetrio Ignacio Aquino Aquino 1971–1994 Served for 23 years, focusing on education and social outreach.
Claudio Silvero Acosta 1994–1997 Transferred to the Diocese of Coronel Oviedo.
Ricardo Jorge Valenzuela Ríos 2017–present Current Bishop, emphasizing youth and family ministries.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese leans towards a balanced approach (rating not available), with a mix of traditional and contemporary practices in its liturgies and a strong emphasis on social teachings and community outreach, reflecting the local culture and the bishop’s priorities.[7]

Statistics

The diocese covers an area of approximately 4,948 square kilometers, serving a population of around 300,000, with about 90% identifying as Catholic. It has 25 parishes and 5 missions, with a total of 30 priests and 50 religious sisters.[8]

Religious Communities

Salesians of Don Bosco

The Salesians of Don Bosco operate schools and youth centers in the diocese, focusing on education and vocational training. Address: Caacupé, Paraguay.[9] Salesians of Don Bosco

Vocations

Vocations Contact for Diocese of Caacupé (Diocese) • Both

  • Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Giménez
  • Email: vocaciones@diocesisdacaacupe.org
  • Phone: (595) 511 232
  • Website: Official Vocations Page
  • Notes: General vocations office
  • Last Verified: May 22, 2026


Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Caacupé
Diocese of Caacupé

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

The Diocese of Caacupé, covering the department of Cordillera, is a vibrant diocese with 25 parishes and 5 missions, serving diverse communities through its churches and pastoral programs. The diocese includes a variety of parishes, each with its unique character and history, reflecting the rich Catholic heritage of the region.[10]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese manages several schools, including:

School Name City Type Website
Escuela San José Caacupé Elementary School Escuela San José[11]

Community Outreach

The diocese operates various community programs, including healthcare services and social outreach, serving the needs of the local population.[12]

Notable Events or Figures

  • The Basilica of Caacupé is a major pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of devotees annually, especially on December 8, the feast day of the Virgin of Caacupé.[13]
  • The diocese has a strong tradition of faith and community, with many notable figures contributing to its history and development, including its first bishop, Ismael Blas Rolón Silvero.[14]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Caacupé:


  • Did you know? The Diocese of Caacupé is home to the beautiful Basilica of Caacupé, a major pilgrimage site in Paraguay, dedicated to the Virgin of Caacupé.
  • Surprise! The diocese has a strong tradition of faith and community, with many notable figures contributing to its history and development.
  • Fun fact: The Basilica of Caacupé attracts thousands of devotees annually, especially on December 8, the feast day of the Virgin of Caacupé.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    2. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
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    4. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    5. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    6. ↑ "Diocese of Caacupé". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcaac.html. Retrieved 2026-05-05. 
    7. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    8. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    9. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    10. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://diocesisdacaacupe.org/parroquias. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    11. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    12. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    13. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 
    14. ↑ "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". 

    External Links

    Retrieved from "https://dev.saintapedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diocese_of_Caacupé&oldid=24160"