Diocese of Caratinga
The Diocese of Caratinga, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. It was established on 15 December 1915 by Pope Benedict XV and belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Belo Horizonte. The diocese serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across numerous municipalities in eastern Minas Gerais. Its mother church is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in the city of Caratinga.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Caratinga
| Diocese: Diocese of Caratinga | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Belo Horizonte |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Minas Gerais |
| Bishop: | José Eudes Campos do Nascimento |
| Website: | https://diocesecaratinga.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1915– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Coronel José Augusto Ferreira, 180
Caratinga, MG 35300-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Caratinga was erected on 15 December 1915 by Pope Benedict XV from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Mariana.
History
The diocese developed steadily in the early twentieth century as the region’s Catholic population expanded with agricultural settlement. Boundary adjustments occurred in later decades to accommodate new dioceses in eastern Minas Gerais.
Geography
The diocese covers a large portion of eastern Minas Gerais, including the municipalities of Caratinga, Aimorés, Ipanema, Manhuaçu, and many surrounding towns.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Caratinga serves as the diocese’s mother church.
Leadership
Current Bishop
José Eudes Campos do Nascimento has served as bishop since 2018.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| João Batista Cavati, CM | 1916–1934 | First bishop; transferred to Diocese of Leopoldina. |
| José Vieira Alvernaz | 1935–1940 | Transferred to Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão. |
| José de Almeida Baptista | 1941–1946 | Transferred to Diocese of Uberaba. |
| José Fernandes Veloso | 1947–1956 | Transferred to Diocese of Petrópolis. |
| José Gonçalves da Costa, CM | 1957–1963 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Niterói. |
| Altivo Pacheco Ribeiro | 1964–1970 | Resigned. |
| Hélio Gonçalves Heleno, CM | 1970–1996 | Retired. |
| José Carlos de Oliveira, CSsR | 1996–2003 | Transferred to Diocese of Itabira–Fabriciano. |
| Emanuel Messias de Oliveira | 2003–2017 | Retired. |
| José Eudes Campos do Nascimento | 2018–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating 3.5), with standard celebration of the Novus Ordo alongside occasional traditional devotions and a focus on both doctrinal formation and local social outreach.
Statistics
The diocese encompasses numerous parishes serving the Catholic faithful of eastern Minas Gerais.
Religious Communities
Several religious congregations have historically assisted with parish ministry and education in the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese is divided into several pastoral regions containing dozens of parishes.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports a network of Catholic schools throughout its territory.
Community Outreach
Caritas and other diocesan programs provide social assistance to families in need.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese has produced several priests who later served as bishops in other Brazilian sees.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Caratinga:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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