Diocese of Cartago
The Diocese of Cartago, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Cartago Province in Costa Rica. Founded in 1940 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Mario Quirós Quirós as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San José, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its rich colonial history and natural beauty, with 32 parishes and 2 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in Central America.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Cartago
| Diocese: Diocese of Cartago | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of San José |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of San José |
| Country: | Costa Rica |
| Region: | Cartago |
| Bishop: | Mario Quirós Quirós |
| Website: | https://diocesiscartago.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 15 |
| High Schools: | 5 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 50 |
| Existence: | 1940– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | [[Archdiocese of San José]] |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Av. 2, Calle 15, Cartago, Costa Rica |
Establishment
The Diocese of Cartago was established on April 24, 1940, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Cartago Province, splitting from the Archdiocese of San José.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the colonial era. The city of Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, has a long tradition of Catholicism, and the diocese has played a significant role in the country's ecclesiastical history. Over the years, the diocese has undergone several changes, including the establishment of new parishes and the construction of the current cathedral, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, which is a major pilgrimage site in Costa Rica.
Geography
The diocese spans the entire Cartago Province, including the cantons of Cartago, Paraíso, La Unión, Alvarado, Oreamuno, and El Guarco. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San José.[2]
Mother Church
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church and a major pilgrimage site in Costa Rica.[3]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Mario Quirós Quirós has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Cartago since 2017. A native of Costa Rica, he has a strong background in pastoral work and has focused on promoting vocations and evangelization in the diocese.[4]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Vicente Solís Fernández | 1940-1957 | First bishop of the Diocese of Cartago. |
| Carlos Humberto Rodríguez Quirós | 1957-1979 | Served as bishop during a period of significant growth and development in the diocese. |
| José Francisco Ulloa Rojas | 1979-2005 | Played a key role in promoting social justice and human rights in Costa Rica. |
| José Francisco Motiño | 2005-2013 | Focused on promoting vocations and evangelization in the diocese. |
| Mario Quirós Quirós | 2017-present | Current bishop of the Diocese of Cartago. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), with a strong emphasis on traditional Catholic teachings and practices, while also promoting social justice and human rights. The diocese has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong tradition of Catholicism and a vibrant community of faithful.[5]
Statistics
The diocese covers 3,105 square miles (8,042 km²), serves 420,000 registered Catholics across 32 parishes, and has a total population of 510,000.[6]
Religious Communities
The diocese is home to several religious communities, including the Sisters of Charity and the Jesuits. These communities play an important role in promoting education, healthcare, and social justice in the diocese.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Cartago (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Fernández
- Email: vocations@diocesiscartago.org
- Phone: (506) 2551-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: August 15, 2023
Parishes
| Diocese of Cartago |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Cartago has 32 parishes, which are divided into 5 deaneries. The parishes are located throughout the Cartago Province and serve a diverse community of faithful.
Mission and Services
The diocese is committed to promoting education, healthcare, and social justice. The diocese operates several schools, hospitals, and social programs, including the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Cartago.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a major pilgrimage site in Costa Rica.
- The diocese has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong tradition of Catholicism and a vibrant community of faithful.
- The diocese has played a significant role in promoting social justice and human rights in Costa Rica.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Cartago:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Cartago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcart.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Parishes". https://www.diocesiscartago.org/parroquias. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels". https://www.basilicadelosangeles.com/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Bishop". https://www.diocesiscartago.org/obispo. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Doctrine". https://www.diocesiscartago.org/doctrina. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Diocese of Cartago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcart.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.