Diocese of Cajazeiras
The Diocese of Cajazeiras, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the northeastern region of Brazil. Established in 1912 by Pope Pius X, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Paraíba and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across parts of the state. The diocese maintains a focus on pastoral care in the semi-arid sertão region, with its mother church located in the city of Cajazeiras. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Cajazeiras
| Diocese: Diocese of Cajazeiras | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Paraíba |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Paraíba |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Paraíba |
| Bishop: | José Ruy Gonçalves Lopes |
| Website: | https://diocesedecajazeiras.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1912– |
| Rating: | 4.0 |
| Chancery Address: | Praça da Matriz, Cajazeiras, PB, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Cajazeiras was established on 28 January 1912 by Pope Pius X, carved from territory previously under the Archdiocese of Paraíba to better serve the growing Catholic communities in the interior of Paraíba state.
History
The diocese developed amid the challenges of the Brazilian sertão, with early bishops focusing on establishing parishes and schools in remote areas. It has remained a suffragan see within the Ecclesiastical Province of Paraíba since its founding, with no major boundary changes recorded in subsequent decades.
Geography
The diocese covers portions of the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil, primarily in the sertão region surrounding the city of Cajazeiras.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Cajazeiras serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
José Ruy Gonçalves Lopes, OFMCap, has served as bishop since 2017.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luiz de Gonzaga de Oliveira | 1912–1931 | First bishop; established initial parishes. |
| José de Medeiros Leite | 1932–1948 | Oversaw expansion of diocesan institutions. |
| José Adelino Dantas | 1949–1953 | Transferred to another see. |
| Zacarias de Góis e Vasconcelos | 1954–1962 | Focused on rural evangelization. |
| José Maria Pires | 1962–1965 | Later became Archbishop of Paraíba. |
| Manuel Pereira da Costa | 1965–1978 | Retired. |
| José Mauro Ramalho de Alencar | 1978–1990 | Retired. |
| Matias Patrício de Macêdo | 1990–2000 | Transferred to another see. |
| José Gonzalez Alonso | 2000–2016 | Retired. |
| José Ruy Gonçalves Lopes | 2017–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 4.0), with traditional liturgical practices emphasized in many parishes alongside standard outreach programs.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in Paraíba, with multiple parishes and missions.
Religious Communities
Limited information is available on active religious communities.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized under local deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in its territory.
Community Outreach
Programs focus on social assistance in rural areas.
Notable Events or Figures
- Early bishops promoted devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary as patroness of the cathedral.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Cajazeiras:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results