Diocese of Coroatá

The Diocese of Coroatá, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Maranhão in Brazil. Established on 10 February 1968 by Pope Paul VI, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão and ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop José Valdeci Mendes Santos, who was appointed in 2014. It maintains a focus on pastoral care amid the challenges of the Brazilian Northeast.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Coroatá

Diocese: Diocese of Coroatá
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:	José Valdeci Mendes Santos
Existence:	1968–
Rating:	3.5

Establishment

The Diocese of Coroatá was erected on 10 February 1968 by Pope Paul VI through the bull *Qui ad Christi*, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão and the Diocese of Caxias do Maranhão.

History

The diocese was created to better serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Maranhão. Its territory has remained stable since erection, with pastoral emphasis on rural evangelization and basic ecclesial communities.

Geography

The diocese covers parts of central Maranhão, including the municipalities of Coroatá, Codó, and surrounding areas within the state of Maranhão. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Coroatá serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop José Valdeci Mendes Santos has served as bishop since 2014.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Manuel Vieira Pinto	1968–1974	First bishop; transferred to Nampula.
Américo do Couto Oliveira	1974–1991	Second bishop; retired.
Luís d'Andrea	1991–2004	Third bishop; retired.
Alberto Taveira Corrêa	2004–2009	Fourth bishop; transferred to Belém.
José Valdeci Mendes Santos	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 local social needs.

Statistics

The diocese serves a Catholic population across multiple municipalities in central Maranhão.

Religious Communities

No major religious orders maintain significant institutional presence at present.

Parishes

The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized for pastoral service in the region.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports basic Catholic education initiatives in its territory.

Community Outreach

Pastoral programs focus on rural communities and family life.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was established to address the pastoral needs of interior Maranhão in the late 1960s.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Coroatá:

Did you know? The Diocese of Coroatá was erected in 1968 by Pope Paul VI to serve the faithful in the heart of Maranhão.

Surprise! Its first bishop, Manuel Vieira Pinto, later became archbishop in Mozambique, showing the diocese's early missionary connections.

Here's something cool: The cathedral in Coroatá is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, reflecting deep Marian devotion in the region.

Wow moment: The diocese covers rural areas where basic ecclesial communities play a vital role in sustaining the faith.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

No results

External Links

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