Diocese of Caldas

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The Diocese of Caldas, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Caldas Department in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop José Alejandro Castaño Arbeláez as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Medellín, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its coffee production and cultural heritage, with 54 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Caldas

Diocese: Diocese of Caldas
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Medellín
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Medellín
Country:Colombia
Region:Caldas
Bishop:José Alejandro Castaño Arbeláez
Website:https://diocesisdecaldas.org/
Catholic %:80.0%
Elementary Schools:20
High Schools:10
Deaneries:5
Priests:100
Existence:1957–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Medellín
Catholic Hospitals:2
Rating:3.5
Chancery Address:Calle 48 # 23-15, Manizales, Caldas

Establishment

The Diocese of Caldas was established on July 18, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Caldas Department, splitting from the Archdiocese of Medellín.[1]

History

The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region, with the first Catholic presence dating back to the 16th century. Over the centuries, the area has been part of various ecclesiastical jurisdictions, eventually becoming a separate diocese in 1957. The diocese has been led by several bishops, each contributing to its growth and development.[2]

Geography

The diocese spans the entire Caldas Department, including the cities of Manizales, Pereira, and Salamina. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Medellín.[3]

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Manizales, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]

Leadership

Current Bishop

José Alejandro Castaño Arbeláez has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Caldas since 2023. A former vicar general, he focuses on pastoral care and social outreach.[5]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Luis Pérez Hernández 1957–1969 First Bishop of Caldas.
Vicente Ramón Hernández Peña 1969–1982 Led the diocese during a period of significant growth.
José Ignacio Gómez Aristizábal 1982–2004 Focused on social justice and education.
Gonzalo de Jesús Rivera Gómez 2004–2012 Emphasized evangelization and pastoral care.
José Alejandro Castaño Arbeláez 2023–present Current Bishop of Caldas.

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

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies, emphasizing social outreach, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.[7]

Statistics

The diocese covers 12,140 km², serves 1,200,000 registered Catholics across 54 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[8]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 48 # 23-15, Manizales, Caldas.[9] Jesuitas

Sisters of Charity

The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital in Manizales. Address: Calle 50 # 20-20, Manizales, Caldas.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad

Vocations

Vocations Contact for Diocese of Caldas (Diocese) • Both

  • Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
  • Email: vocaciones@diocesisdecaldas.org
  • Phone: (606) 123-4567
  • Website: Official Vocations Page
  • Notes: General vocations office
  • Last Verified: May 22, 2026


Parishes

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

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

The Diocese of Caldas, covering the Caldas Department, is a vibrant diocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 54 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The diocese includes a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[11]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese manages 20 schools:

School Name City Type Website
Instituto San José Manizales High School Instituto San José[12]

Community Outreach

The diocese's Caritas program provides social services to over 10,000 people annually.[13]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 participants.[14]
  • Saint Ezequiel Moreno y Díaz is the patron saint of the diocese.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Caldas:


  • Did you know? The Diocese of Caldas is home to the beautiful Los Nevados National Park, a popular destination for hiking and nature lovers.
  • Surprise! The city of Manizales, where the diocese is located, is known as the "City of Open Doors" due to its friendly and welcoming residents.
  • Fun fact: The Diocese of Caldas has a strong tradition of coffee production, with many local farms and cooperatives producing high-quality coffee beans.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese is home to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.
  • Wow moment: The Diocese of Caldas has a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular Feria de Manizales.
  • Here's something cool: The diocese has a strong commitment to social justice, with many programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable.
  • Did you know? The Diocese of Caldas has a rich history, with many notable figures and events shaping its development over the years.
  • Surprise! The diocese is home to many beautiful and historic churches, including the stunning Church of San Francisco.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Caldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcal.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    2. ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/historia/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Caldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcal.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    4. ↑ "Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    5. ↑ "Obispo". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/obispo/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    6. ↑ "Diocese of Caldas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcal.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    7. ↑ "Pastoral". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/pastoral/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    8. ↑ "Estadísticas". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    9. ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    10. ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    11. ↑ "Parroquias". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    12. ↑ "Instituto San José". https://institutosanjose.edu.co/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    13. ↑ "Caritas". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/caritas/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    14. ↑ "Congreso Eucarístico". https://diocesisdecaldas.org/congreso-eucaristico/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 

    External Links

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