Diocese of Espinal
The Diocese of Espinal, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the entire province of Tolima in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Orlando Roa Barbosa as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibagué, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its agricultural production and cultural heritage, with 34 parishes and 2 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Espinal
| Diocese: Diocese of Espinal | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Ibagué |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Ibagué |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Tolima |
| Bishop: | Orlando Roa Barbosa |
| Website: | https://diocesisdeespinal.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 50 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Ibagué |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 12 No. 3-15, Espinal, Tolima |
Establishment
The Diocese of Espinal was established on November 18, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the province of Tolima, splitting from the Archdiocese of Ibagué.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its first bishop, José Gabriel Calderón Contreras, playing a key role in the development of the local Catholic community. The diocese has undergone significant growth, with the establishment of new parishes, schools, and social programs.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the entire province of Tolima, including the municipalities of Alvarado, Carmen de Apicalá, and Espinal. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibagué.[3]
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Espinal, a beautiful example of modern architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Orlando Roa Barbosa has served since 2012. A former vicar general, he focuses on social outreach and education.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Gabriel Calderón Contreras | 1958–1962 | First Bishop of Espinal. |
| Julio Franco Arango | 1963–1980 | Oversaw the establishment of new parishes. |
| Hernán Giraldo Jaramillo | 1980–1987 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Popayán. |
| Pablo Emiro Salas Anteliz | 1987–2005 | Retired. |
| Orlando Roa Barbosa | 2012–present | Current Bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies, emphasizing social outreach like poverty programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers 3,172 square miles (8,215 km²), serves 420,000 registered Catholics across 34 parishes, and has a total population of 550,000.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 12 No. 3-15, Espinal, Tolima.[9] Jesuitas
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital. Address: Calle 10 No. 2-10, Espinal, Tolima.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Espinal (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@diocesisdeespinal.org
- Phone: (8) 273 2020
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: February 20, 2023
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Espinal, covering the province of Tolima, is a vibrant diocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 34 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The diocese includes a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[11]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instituto San José | Espinal | High School | Instituto San José[12] |
Community Outreach
The diocese's social program provides services to over 10,000 people annually.[13]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 participants.[14] Saint Peter Claver, a former Jesuit priest, is revered in the diocese for his missionary work.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Espinal:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Espinal". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/despi.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdeespinal.org/historia/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Diocese of Espinal". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/despi.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción". https://diocesisdeespinal.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Bishop Orlando Roa Barbosa". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/broab.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Diocese of Espinal". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/despi.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Pastoral Social". https://diocesisdeespinal.org/pastoral-social/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Diocese of Espinal". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/despi.html. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://diocesisdeespinal.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Instituto San José". https://institutosanjose.edu.co/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Pastoral Social". https://diocesisdeespinal.org/pastoral-social/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://diocesisdeespinal.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2023-02-20.