Diocese of Cachoeira do Sul
The Diocese of Cachoeira do Sul, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Established on 18 July 1959 by Pope John XXIII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Maria and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Ângelo Ademir Mezzari, who was appointed in 2023. It maintains a focus on pastoral care in agricultural communities and preserves traditional devotional practices rooted in the region's immigrant heritage. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Cachoeira do Sul
| Diocese: Diocese of Cachoeira do Sul | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Santa Maria |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Santa Maria |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Rio Grande do Sul |
| Bishop: | Ângelo Ademir Mezzari |
| Existence: | 1959– |
Establishment
The Diocese of Cachoeira do Sul was erected on 18 July 1959 by Pope John XXIII, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre and the Diocese of Santa Maria to better serve the growing Catholic communities in central Rio Grande do Sul.
History
The diocese developed amid the expansion of European immigrant settlements in southern Brazil during the mid-twentieth century. Its territory has remained stable since erection, with pastoral emphasis on rural evangelization and family life.
Geography
The diocese covers portions of central Rio Grande do Sul, including municipalities around the city of Cachoeira do Sul. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Maria.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Cachoeira do Sul serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Ângelo Ademir Mezzari, a member of the Redemptorist order, has served as bishop since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ângelo Ademir Mezzari, C.SS.R. | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
| Remídio José Bohn | 2007–2022 | Transferred from other see; retired. |
| Irineu Gassen, O.F.M. | 1998–2006 | Transferred to other see. |
| Ângelo Domingos Salvador, O.F.M. Cap. | 1991–1997 | Transferred to other see. |
| Osório Willibaldo Spiess, O.F.M. Cap. | 1970–1990 | First bishop; retired. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach consistent with mainstream Latin Rite practice in rural Brazil, emphasizing both traditional devotions and community outreach.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in central Rio Grande do Sul.
Religious Communities
Limited information on active religious communities is available in public records.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving local communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in its territory.
Community Outreach
Pastoral programs focus on family and rural ministry.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was established during the pontificate of Pope John XXIII as part of the reorganization of Brazilian dioceses in the twentieth century.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Cachoeira do Sul:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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References
External Links
- [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Santa Maria]