Diocese of Campina Grande
The Diocese of Campina Grande, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Paraíba in Brazil. Established in 1949, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Paraíba and ministers to a growing Catholic population across its territory. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Dulcílio Menicucci, who was appointed in 2023. It supports numerous parishes, schools, and outreach programs that strengthen the faith in northeastern Brazil. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Campina Grande
| Diocese: Diocese of Campina Grande | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Paraíba |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Paraíba |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Paraíba |
| Bishop: | Dulcílio Menicucci |
| Website: | https://diocesedecampinagrande.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1949– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Monsenhor Sales, 421, Campina Grande, PB 58400-440, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Campina Grande was erected on 14 July 1949 by Pope Pius XII from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Paraíba to serve the expanding Catholic communities in the interior of Paraíba.
History
The diocese was created amid post-World War II growth in Brazil's Northeast, with its first bishop taking possession in 1950. Over subsequent decades it expanded its network of parishes and institutions while remaining a suffragan see under the metropolitan authority of Paraíba.
Geography
The diocese covers the central portion of Paraíba state, including the municipalities of Campina Grande and surrounding areas in the agreste region.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows in Campina Grande serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Dulcílio Menicucci has served as bishop since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alfredo de Arruda Câmara | 1950–1951 | First bishop; transferred to another see. |
| Otávio Barbosa Aguiar | 1952–1955 | Oversaw early organizational growth. |
| João da Mota e Albuquerque | 1956–1960 | Later became Archbishop of São Luís do Maranhão. |
| José Maria Pires | 1960–1965 | Promoted social initiatives; later Archbishop of Paraíba. |
| Luís Gonzaga Fernandes | 1966–1980 | Long-serving bishop focused on pastoral expansion. |
| Sebastião Lima Duarte | 1980–1992 | Emphasized evangelization in rural areas. |
| Matias Patrício de Macêdo | 1992–1999 | Transferred to another diocese. |
| Cícero Alves de França | 1999–2004 | Retired. |
| Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz | 2005–2014 | Later became Archbishop of Paraíba. |
| José Ruy Gonçalves Lopes | 2015–2022 | Transferred to another see. |
| Dulcílio Menicucci | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices alongside traditional devotions and active engagement in both doctrinal formation and social outreach programs.
Statistics
The diocese encompasses a significant portion of central Paraíba and serves thousands of registered Catholics through its parishes and missions.
Religious Communities
Several religious institutes assist in parish ministry, education, and charitable works within the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes distributed across its territory.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports a network of Catholic schools providing elementary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Programs coordinated through Caritas and local parishes address social needs in the region.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese has hosted regional Eucharistic congresses that strengthened Catholic identity in the interior of Paraíba.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Campina Grande:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results