Diocese of Crateús
The Diocese of Crateús, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil. Erected on 28 April 1971 by Pope Paul VI, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Fortaleza and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across multiple municipalities. The diocese maintains a focus on pastoral care in the semi-arid sertão region, with its mother church being the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in the city of Crateús. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Crateús
| Diocese: Diocese of Crateús | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Fortaleza |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Fortaleza |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Ceará |
| Bishop: | Francisco Edimilson Neves Ferreira |
| Website: | https://diocesedecrateus.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1971– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Monsenhor Linhares, 1050, Crateús, CE 63700-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Crateús was established on 28 April 1971 by Pope Paul VI through the bull "Cum Urbs Crateús" to better serve the growing Catholic communities in the interior of Ceará, previously under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Fortaleza.
History
Early Years
The territory of the new diocese had been evangelized since the colonial period, with the first parishes dating back to the eighteenth century. The see was created amid efforts to reorganize ecclesiastical structures in northeastern Brazil during the twentieth century.
Development
Subsequent bishops expanded pastoral outreach, established new parishes, and promoted social initiatives in the drought-prone region. The diocese has remained a suffragan of Fortaleza without further boundary changes since its erection.
Geography
The diocese covers parts of the sertão region in Ceará, including the municipalities of Crateús, Independência, Novo Oriente, Quiterianópolis, Santa Quitéria, and several others in the central-western portion of the state. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of Fortaleza.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Crateús serves as the mother church. The present structure was completed in the mid-twentieth century and features a simple neoclassical style typical of regional Brazilian churches.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Francisco Edimilson Neves Ferreira has served as bishop since 2017. A native of Ceará, he previously served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Fortaleza.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned to the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Freire Falcão | 1971–1977 | First bishop; later became Archbishop of Brasília and cardinal. |
| Miguel Fenelon Câmara | 1978–1992 | Oversaw expansion of parishes and social programs. |
| Jacinto Furtado de Brito Sobrinho | 1993–1999 | Transferred to the Diocese of Parnaíba. |
| Antônio Roberto Cavuto | 2000–2016 | Retired after sixteen years of service. |
| Francisco Edimilson Neves Ferreira | 2017–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard Novus Ordo celebrations alongside occasional traditional devotions and a pastoral emphasis on both doctrinal formation and outreach to the rural poor.
Statistics
The diocese encompasses approximately 20,000 square kilometers and serves around 300,000 Catholics in roughly 30 parishes.
Religious Communities
Congregation of the Mission
The Vincentians have historically assisted with parish ministry and formation in the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises approximately thirty parishes distributed across its territory. A complete list is maintained on the diocesan website.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports several primary and secondary schools operated by religious congregations and parishes.
Community Outreach
Caritas and other diocesan agencies provide assistance to families affected by drought and poverty in the sertão.
Notable Events or Figures
- Cardinal José Freire Falcão, the first bishop, later became a prominent figure in the Brazilian Church and participated in the 2005 papal conclave.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Crateús:
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