Diocese of Formosa
The Diocese of Formosa, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in northern Argentina. Established in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it serves the faithful across Formosa Province as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Resistencia. The diocese is currently led by Bishop José Vicente Conejeros Rodríguez, who was appointed in 2023. It plays a vital role in supporting Catholic life in a region marked by diverse indigenous communities and rural parishes. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Formosa
| Diocese: Diocese of Formosa | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Resistencia |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Resistencia |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Formosa Province |
| Bishop: | José Vicente Conejeros Rodríguez |
| Website: | https://www.diocesisformosa.org.ar |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle España 450
Formosa, Formosa 3600 Argentina |
Establishment
The Diocese of Formosa was erected on 12 March 1957 by Pope Pius XII from territory previously belonging to the Diocese of Resistencia, to serve the growing Catholic population in the northern Argentine province of Formosa.
History
The diocese developed rapidly after its founding, with the construction of its cathedral and the establishment of parishes to reach rural and indigenous communities. It has maintained a focus on missionary work in the Chaco region while adapting to social changes in the province.
Geography
The diocese covers the entire Formosa Province in northern Argentina and forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Resistencia.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Carmel in Formosa serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop José Vicente Conejeros Rodríguez has served as bishop since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raúl Francisco Primatesta | 1957–1961 | First bishop; later Archbishop of Córdoba. |
| José Agustín Marozzi | 1961–1991 | Long-serving bishop who oversaw major expansion. |
| Dante Carlos Sandrini | 1991–1998 | Transferred to another see. |
| José Vicente Conejeros Rodríguez | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.8), with traditional liturgical practices observed in many parishes alongside active social outreach programs.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 72,066 square kilometers and serves around 450,000 registered Catholics.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians operate schools and youth programs in the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises 32 parishes organized into four deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates 15 Catholic schools serving primary and secondary students.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in rural areas and support for indigenous communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese hosted its first diocesan synod in 2018 to address pastoral priorities.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Formosa:
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