Diocese of Gracias
The Diocese of Gracias, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, was a historic diocese in Honduras. Established in 1916 by Pope Benedict XV, it served the western region of the country until its suppression in 1949. Its territory was incorporated into the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, and the see is now a titular diocese of the Catholic Church.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Gracias
| Diocese: Diocese of Gracias | |
| Status: | Historic |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Country: | Honduras |
| Region: | Gracias a Dios and surrounding western regions |
| Existence: | 1916–1949 |
| Successor Dioceses: | Diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán |
| Chancery Address: | Gracias, Honduras |
Establishment
The Diocese of Gracias was erected on 2 February 1916 by Pope Benedict XV to serve the growing Catholic population in western Honduras, carved from territory previously under the Diocese of Comayagua.
History
Early Years
The diocese was established amid efforts to reorganize the Catholic Church structure in Honduras following independence and missionary expansion in the early twentieth century. Its first bishop oversaw initial pastoral organization in a largely rural area.
Suppression
In 1949 the Diocese of Gracias was suppressed by papal decree. Its territory was merged into the newly expanded Diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán to better serve the Catholic faithful in the region.
Geography
The diocese covered the western departments of Honduras, including areas around the city of Gracias and parts of what is now the department of Lempira.
Mother Church
The former cathedral was located in the city of Gracias. After suppression the building continued in use as a parish church.
Leadership
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ángel María Rojas y Arrieta, C.M. | 1916–1923 | First Bishop of Gracias; transferred to Panama. |
| Luis Antonio Guízar y Barragán | 1924–1935 | Appointed Bishop of Saltillo. |
| José de la Cruz Turcios y Barahona, O.F.M. | 1935–1948 | Appointed Archbishop of Tegucigalpa. |
| Héctor Enrique Santos Hernández, S.D.B. | 1948–1949 | Last residential Bishop of Gracias; see suppressed. |
According to historical Church records.
Titular Status
The Diocese of Gracias is now a titular see. It has been assigned to auxiliary bishops and other prelates without residential jurisdiction.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Gracias:
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