Diocese of Girardot
The Diocese of Girardot, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Cundinamarca department in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Jaime Muñoz Pedroza as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its 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 Colombia.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Girardot
| Diocese: Diocese of Girardot | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Bogotá |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Bogotá |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Cundinamarca |
| Bishop: | Jaime Muñoz Pedroza |
| Website: | https://diocesisdegirardot.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 10 |
| High Schools: | 5 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 50 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Bogotá |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 7 # 14-30, Girardot, Cundinamarca |
Establishment
The Diocese of Girardot was established on June 18, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Cundinamarca department, splitting from the Archdiocese of Bogotá.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its first bishop, Álvaro Valencia Díaz, playing a significant role in the development of the local Catholic community. The diocese has been involved in various social and charitable activities, including education, healthcare, and community outreach programs.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the Cundinamarca department, including the cities of Girardot, Agua de Dios, and Ricaurte. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá.[3]
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Carmen in Girardot, a beautiful example of modern architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Jaime Muñoz Pedroza has served since 2020. A former vicar general, he focuses on evangelization and community outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Álvaro Valencia Díaz | 1957–1964 | First Bishop of Girardot. |
| José Gabriel Calderón Contreras | 1964–1995 | Longest-serving bishop. |
| Rodrigo Armando Escobar Aristizábal | 1995–2001 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Pereira. |
| Héctor Javier Pizarro Acevedo | 2001–2011 | Retired. |
| Jaime Muñoz Pedroza | 2020–present | Current Bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies, emphasizing social outreach like poverty programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers 12,242 km², serves 1,200,000 registered Catholics across 34 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 10 # 5-50, Girardot.[9] Jesuitas
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital. Address: Calle 7 # 14-30, Girardot.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Girardot (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@diocesisdegirardot.org
- Phone: (1) 311 2345
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2023-09-01
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Girardot, covering the Cundinamarca department, 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.[11]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 10 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio María Auxiliadora | Girardot | High School | Colegio María Auxiliadora[12] |
Community Outreach
The diocese provides community outreach programs, including healthcare services and food banks, serving 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 Girardot:
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Associated saints
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Girardot". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgira.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/historia/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Girardot". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgira.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Carmen". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Obispo". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/obispo/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Girardot". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgira.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Pastoral". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/pastoral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Colegio María Auxiliadora". https://colegiomariaauxiliadora.edu.co/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Pastoral Social". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/pastoral-social/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://diocesisdegirardot.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.