Diocese of El Alto

From Saintapedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of El Alto

Diocese: Diocese of El Alto
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of La Paz
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of La Paz
Country:Bolivia
Region:La Paz Department (provinces: Muñecas, Camacho, Manco Kapac, Omasuyos, Los Andes, Ingavi, and part of Murillo including El Alto, Zongo, and part of Achocalla)
Bishop:Giovani Edgar Arana
Catholic %:56.9%
Priests:57
Existence:1994–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of La Paz
Rating:3.0
Chancery Address:Av. Juan Pablo II N° 4010, Zona Los Andes, El Alto

The Diocese of El Alto, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the city of El Alto and surrounding highland areas in Bolivia. Established on 25 June 1994 by Pope John Paul II from territory of the Archdiocese of La Paz, it is led by Bishop Giovani Edgar Arana as of 2021. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of La Paz, the diocese serves a rapidly urbanizing, predominantly Aymara population at high altitude (over 4,000 meters), with its patroness being Our Lady of Copacabana (Nuestra Señora de Copacabana). A notable fact is its custodianship of devotion to Our Lady of Copacabana, Bolivia's national patroness, whose shrine lies outside the diocese but whose feast on February 2 is prominently observed here, reflecting deep Marian piety in Andean Catholic tradition.

Establishment

The Diocese of El Alto was established on 25 June 1994 by Pope John Paul II through the apostolic constitution erecting it from portions of the Archdiocese of La Paz, specifically the provinces of Muñecas, Camacho, Manco Kapac, Omasuyos, Los Andes, Ingavi, and part of Murillo (including El Alto, Zongo, and part of Achocalla), to better serve the growing population in the altiplano region.[1][2]

History

Since its erection in 1994, the diocese has focused on pastoral care in a high-altitude, urbanizing area with significant indigenous Aymara communities. It marked its 25th anniversary in 2019, during which Church leaders acknowledged the social contributions of Catholic initiatives in education, health, and community development.[3] No major boundary changes have been recorded as of 2026.

Geography

The diocese covers approximately 23,000 square kilometers (8,883 square miles) in the La Paz Department of Bolivia, encompassing the provinces of Muñecas, Camacho, Manco Kapac, Omasuyos, Los Andes, Ingavi, and parts of Murillo (including the city of El Alto). It is a suffragan of the Ecclesiastical Province of La Paz.[4]

Mother Church

The Cathedral of El Alto (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or similar dedication in sources) in El Alto serves as the mother church. Specific architectural or historical details are limited in primary records; it is dedicated in part to Marian feasts aligned with local devotions.[5]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Giovani Edgar Arana has served as bishop since his appointment on 30 March 2021. He also serves as General Secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia.[6]

Auxiliary Bishops

This cannot be confirmed from available sources; no auxiliary bishops are listed as of 2026.

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Jesús Juárez Párraga, S.D.B. 1994–2013 First bishop; transferred to Archdiocese of Sucre.
Eugenio Scarpellini 2013–2020 Served until his death or resignation; details per Church records.
Giovani Edgar Arana 2021–present Current bishop.

[7]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.0), with standard Latin Rite practices adapted to indigenous Andean culture, strong emphasis on Marian devotion (especially to Our Lady of Copacabana) alongside social outreach in poor urban and rural communities, and leadership aligned with mainstream Bolivian episcopal priorities.[8]

Statistics

As of 2023 (latest detailed figures available), the diocese covers 23,000 km², serves 903,700 Catholics (56.9% of a total population of 1,587,270) across 60 parishes, with 57 priests (42 diocesan, 15 religious), 47 permanent deacons, and supporting religious.[9][10]

Religious Communities

Various religious orders and congregations support pastoral work, education, and social services, though a complete list cannot be confirmed from primary sources without official diocesan directory access. Communities are active in highland ministry.[11]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of El Alto
Diocese of El Alto

No results

This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The diocese includes 60 parishes serving urban El Alto and rural altiplano communities.[12]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

Information on specific schools cannot be verified from primary sources; the diocese supports educational initiatives in line with social promotion efforts.

Community Outreach

The diocese engages in social promotion, including projects addressing poverty and community needs in El Alto's challenging environment.[13]

Notable Events or Figures

The diocese's establishment in 1994 responded to demographic growth in El Alto. Devotion to Our Lady of Copacabana (patroness since foundation, feast February 2) and Saint John Bosco (January 31) marks its spiritual life.[14]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of El Alto

  1. Did you know? Founded in 1994, the Diocese of El Alto is one of Bolivia's youngest dioceses, created to care for the booming city of El Alto — now one of the world's highest major urban areas at over 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) above sea level!
  2. Surprise! El Alto sits right next to La Paz but higher up — it's like living on top of the world, where Catholics pray in thin air but with big faith in the Andean highlands.
  3. Fun fact: The diocese's patroness is Nuestra Señora de Copacabana, Bolivia's beloved national patroness — her image draws pilgrims from across the country, even though her main shrine is nearby in Lake Titicaca.
  4. Here's something cool: The diocese celebrates Saint John Bosco on January 31 as a co-patron — perfect for a diocese with lots of young people and growing communities inspired by Don Bosco's love for youth!
  5. Wow moment: With 60 parishes serving nearly a million Catholics, the diocese shows how the Church grows right alongside fast-expanding cities in the altiplano.
  6. Little-known gem: El Alto's Catholic community blends ancient Aymara traditions with vibrant faith — think colorful processions and deep devotion at high altitude!
  7. Fun twist: Despite challenges like altitude and urban growth, the diocese has strong social outreach, helping families through Church projects that make a real difference every day.

These facts celebrate the unique spirit of the Diocese of El Alto, where faith thrives in one of the highest places on Earth. Its people continue to live the Gospel with resilience and joy amid the mountains. Visit a parish or join a Marian feast to experience this highland Catholic heritage!

Dynamic content

Associated saints

No saints yet.

Diocesan photos

Diocesan photos

No results No results

References

  1. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/delal.html. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  2. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/elal0.htm. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  3. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_El_Alto. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  4. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/delal.html. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  5. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/elal0.htm. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  6. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/delal.html. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  7. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/elal0.htm. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  8. ↑ Derived from pastoral focus in Church reports; consult diocesan or episcopal conference sources for specifics.
  9. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/delal.html. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  10. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/elal0.htm. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  11. ↑ Consult the diocese or Episcopal Conference of Bolivia for details.
  12. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/elal0.htm. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  13. ↑ "Coordinadora de Obras Sociales de la Diócesis de El Alto". https://www.obrassociales-elalto.org/. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 
  14. ↑ "Diocese of El Alto". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/elal0.htm. Retrieved 2026-02-16. 

External Links

Retrieved from "https://dev.saintapedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diocese_of_El_Alto&oldid=23988"