Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão

The Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the northeastern state of Brazil. Established on 3 October 1939 by Pope Pius XII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across multiple municipalities. The diocese maintains its see in the city of Caxias and continues to foster evangelization and pastoral care in the region.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão

Diocese: Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of São Luís do Maranhão
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão
Country:	Brazil
Region:	Maranhão
Bishop:	Walmir Oliveira da Costa
Existence:	1939–
Rating:	3.5

Establishment

The Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão was erected on 3 October 1939 by Pope Pius XII, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão to better serve the growing Catholic communities in the interior of the state.

History

The diocese developed steadily after its founding, focusing on missionary work and the establishment of parishes in rural areas of Maranhão. Its boundaries have remained largely stable since creation, with emphasis on pastoral outreach amid regional social changes.

Geography

The diocese covers parts of eastern Maranhão, including the municipalities of Caxias, Codó, and surrounding areas within the state of Brazil.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Caxias serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Walmir Oliveira da Costa has served as bishop since 2014.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Luís António dos Santos	1941–1955	First bishop; oversaw initial organization.
Luís Gonzaga da Cunha Marelim	1955–1981	Long-serving bishop focused on expansion.
Miguel Fenelon Câmara	1981–1994	Emphasized social pastoral work.
Luís d'Andrea	1995–2005	Promoted vocations.
Walmir Oliveira da Costa	2014–present	Current bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and attention to both traditional teachings and community needs.

Statistics

The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in Maranhão.

Religious Communities

Religious orders active in the diocese support parish ministry and education.

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 include charitable works through local initiatives.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was founded to extend pastoral care to interior communities of Maranhão.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão:

Did you know? The Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão was established in 1939 by Pope Pius XII to reach Catholics in the rural heartland of Maranhão.

Surprise! Its cathedral in Caxias honors Our Lady of the Conception and stands as a central point of faith for the region.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

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External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão]