Diocese of Choluteca

The Diocese of Choluteca, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving the southern region of Honduras. Erected in 1964, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Tegucigalpa and ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population across the Choluteca Department. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Ángel Garachico y Moreno, appointed in 2023. It supports evangelization, education, and social outreach in a historically challenging area marked by poverty and natural disasters.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Choluteca

Diocese: Diocese of Choluteca
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Tegucigalpa
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa
Country:	Honduras
Region:	Choluteca Department
Bishop:	Ángel Garachico y Moreno
Existence:	1964–

Establishment

The Diocese of Choluteca was established on 8 September 1964 by Pope Paul VI to serve the growing Catholic population in southern Honduras, carved from territory previously under the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa.

History

The diocese developed rapidly after its founding amid Honduras's mid-20th-century Church reorganization. It has focused on rural ministry and responded to frequent natural disasters, including hurricanes that affected the region.

Geography

The diocese covers the Choluteca Department in southern Honduras and adjacent areas.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Choluteca serves as the mother church.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Ángel Garachico y Moreno has served since 2023.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Marcelino Corral y Díez	1964–1980	First bishop; oversaw initial organization.
José de Jesús María de la Cruz	1980–1998	Expanded pastoral outreach.
Luis Alfonso Santos Villeda	1998–2016	Focused on social issues.
José Bonello	2016–2023	Transferred to another see.
Ángel Garachico y Moreno	2023–present	Current bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced approach in its pastoral priorities.

Statistics

The diocese serves registered Catholics across multiple parishes in its territory.

Religious Communities

Religious orders assist in parish ministry and education.

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Choluteca

The diocese comprises numerous parishes serving local communities.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools in the region.

Community Outreach

Programs address poverty and disaster relief through local initiatives.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese has hosted regional pastoral assemblies focused on family and youth ministry.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Choluteca:

Did you know? The Diocese of Choluteca was erected in 1964 by Pope Paul VI to better serve the faithful in Honduras's southern frontier region.

Surprise! Its first bishop, Marcelino Corral y Díez, guided the new diocese through its earliest years of growth and organization.

Here's something cool: The cathedral dedicated to the Immaculate Conception stands as the spiritual heart of the diocese in the city of Choluteca.

Wow moment: Southern Honduras's rural parishes often blend traditional devotions with community support during hurricane seasons.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

No results

External Links

• Official Church resources for Honduras