Diocese of Dourados
The Diocese of Dourados, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. Established in 1956 by Pope Pius XII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Campo Grande and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across multiple municipalities. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Henrique Aparecido de Lima, who was appointed in 2015. It plays a vital role in fostering faith, education, and social outreach in a region marked by agricultural growth and diverse communities.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Dourados
| Diocese: Diocese of Dourados | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Campo Grande |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Campo Grande |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Mato Grosso do Sul |
| Bishop: | Henrique Aparecido de Lima |
| Website: | https://diocesededourados.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 15 |
| High Schools: | 4 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1956– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Joaquim Távora, 1830, Dourados, MS 79800-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Dourados was established on 15 February 1956 by Pope Pius XII to serve the expanding Catholic population in southern Mato Grosso do Sul, previously part of the Archdiocese of Campo Grande.
History
Early Years
The diocese began with limited infrastructure but grew rapidly through missionary efforts in the mid-20th century, focusing on rural evangelization amid agricultural expansion.
Modern Era
Boundary adjustments occurred in later decades as new parishes were erected, strengthening its presence in the region.
Geography
The diocese covers the southern portion of Mato Grosso do Sul, including the following municipalities:
- Dourados
- Ponta Porã
- Naviraí
- Itaporã
- Maracaju
- Rio Brilhante
- Caarapó
- Fátima do Sul
- Glória de Dourados
- Deodápolis
- and additional surrounding areas.
It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Campo Grande.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Dourados serves as the diocese’s mother church, a modern structure completed in the late 20th century that hosts major diocesan liturgies.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Henrique Aparecido de Lima has served since 2015. A native of the region, he has emphasized pastoral care and youth formation.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José de Almeida Batista Pereira | 1956–1965 | First bishop; oversaw initial organization. |
| Carlos Alberto Etchandy Gimeno | 1965–1971 | Transferred to another see. |
| Ângelo Domingos Salvador | 1971–1976 | Focused on rural missions. |
| Alberto Johannes Förster | 1976–2001 | Long-serving bishop; expanded parishes. |
| Redovino Rizzardo | 2001–2015 | Emphasized social outreach. |
| Henrique Aparecido de Lima | 2015–present | Current bishop. |
According to diocesan records and Vatican appointments.
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices including occasional traditional elements, equal attention to doctrinal teachings and community outreach programs, and leadership focused on pastoral stability.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 35,000 square kilometers, serves around 450,000 registered Catholics across 45 parishes, and ministers to a total regional population of about 650,000.
Religious Communities
Salesians
The Salesians support youth education and vocational training in several parishes. Address: Dourados, Brazil.
Parishes
| Diocese of Dourados |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into five deaneries covering the listed municipalities, with a focus on serving both urban centers and rural farming communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 19 schools providing faith-based instruction.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs assist families with food security and health services in rural areas.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese hosted regional Eucharistic celebrations in the 1990s that strengthened local devotion.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Dourados:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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