Diocese of Huehuetenango

The Diocese of Huehuetenango, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the western highlands of Guatemala. Established in 1961, it ministers to a predominantly indigenous population across the department of Huehuetenango as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán. The diocese focuses on pastoral care, education, and social outreach amid challenging geographic and cultural conditions. Its mother church is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the city of Huehuetenango.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Huehuetenango

Diocese: Diocese of Huehuetenango
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán
Country:	Guatemala
Region:	Huehuetenango
Bishop:	Alvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri
Existence:	1961–

Establishment

The Diocese of Huehuetenango was erected on 16 March 1961 by Pope John XXIII from territory previously part of the Diocese of San Marcos.

History

The diocese developed in a region with a large Mayan population. It has emphasized inculturated evangelization and support for rural communities.

Geography

The diocese covers the entire department of Huehuetenango in western Guatemala.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Huehuetenango serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Alvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri has served as bishop since 14 May 2012.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Hugo Mark Roelants	1961–1965	First bishop; transferred to another see.
Victor Hugo Martínez Contreras	1966–1970	Later became Archbishop of Guatemala.
José Julio Aguilar	1972–1984	Oversaw expansion of parishes.
Julio Edgar Cabrera Ovalle	1986–2001	Focused on indigenous ministry.
Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri	2001–2012	Transferred to San Marcos; returned in 2012.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced approach to pastoral priorities, emphasizing both traditional sacramental life and outreach to marginalized communities.

Statistics

The diocese serves a large rural population with limited precise current figures available from public records.

Religious Communities

Religious orders active in the diocese include various missionary congregations supporting parishes and social projects.

Parishes

The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized to serve both urban centers and remote highland communities.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese operates schools focused on serving indigenous youth.

Community Outreach

Programs address health, agriculture, and human rights in coordination with local needs.

Notable Events or Figures

• Cardinal Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri, a native son and former bishop of the diocese, has been recognized for his work on behalf of the poor.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Huehuetenango:

Did you know? The Diocese of Huehuetenango was created in 1961 to better serve the many indigenous communities living in Guatemala's rugged western highlands.

Surprise! Bishop Álvaro Ramazzini, who served here before becoming a cardinal, is known for his strong advocacy for coffee farmers and rural workers.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

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External Links

• [Official diocesan information via Archdiocese of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán resources]