Diocese of Criciúma
The Diocese of Criciúma, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil. Founded in 1998 by Pope John Paul II, it serves the Catholic faithful in the southern region of the state as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Florianópolis. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Jacinto Inácio Flach, who has guided its pastoral initiatives since his appointment. It encompasses a growing Catholic population focused on evangelization and community service in a historically diverse area. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Criciúma
| Diocese: Diocese of Criciúma | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Florianópolis |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Florianópolis |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Santa Catarina |
| Bishop: | Jacinto Inácio Flach |
| Website: | https://diocesecriciuma.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 25 |
| High Schools: | 8 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1998– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Henrique Lage, 1130
Criciúma, SC 88801-001 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Criciúma was established on 27 February 1998 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in southern Santa Catarina, separating territory from the Diocese of Tubarão and the Diocese of Lages.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in southern Brazil during the late twentieth century. Its territory includes industrial and agricultural areas around the city of Criciúma, where coal mining and later economic diversification shaped local communities. Early pastoral efforts emphasized the formation of new parishes and attention to migrant workers.
Geography
The diocese covers the southern portion of Santa Catarina, including the municipalities of Criciúma, Içara, Siderópolis, Urussanga, and surrounding areas. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Florianópolis.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Criciúma serves as the mother church. Constructed in the mid-twentieth century, it features a modern architectural style and functions as the central place of worship for the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Jacinto Inácio Flach has served since 2019. A native of the region, he previously served as an auxiliary bishop in another Brazilian diocese before his appointment to Criciúma.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moacyr José Vitti, C.S.S. | 1998–2004 | First bishop; transferred to Curitiba. |
| Manoel João Francisco | 2005–2008 | Transferred to Garanhuns. |
| Severino Clasen, O.F.M. | 2009–2018 | Transferred to Caçador. |
| Jacinto Inácio Flach | 2019–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices including occasional traditional elements alongside contemporary worship, equal attention to doctrinal teachings and social outreach programs, and leadership focused on pastoral care without strong ideological emphasis.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 4,500 square kilometers and serves around 350,000 registered Catholics across 45 parishes.
Religious Communities
Franciscans
The Order of Friars Minor assists in parish ministry and education within the diocese.
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into five deaneries covering the southern municipalities of Santa Catarina.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese oversees 25 elementary schools and 8 high schools focused on faith formation and academic instruction.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in need, including food distribution and support for the elderly.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II as part of the reorganization of southern Brazilian dioceses.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Criciúma:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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