Diocese of Humaitá
The Diocese of Humaitá, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the western portion of the state of Amazonas in Brazil. Established in 1961 by Pope John XXIII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manaus and serves a vast Amazonian territory with a significant indigenous population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop José Maria Chaves dos Reis, who was appointed in 2019. It maintains a focus on missionary outreach and environmental stewardship in one of the most remote regions of the Catholic Church in Latin America.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Humaitá
| Diocese: Diocese of Humaitá | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Manaus |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Manaus |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Amazonas |
| Bishop: | José Maria Chaves dos Reis |
| Website: | https://www.diocesedehumaita.org.br |
| Catholic %: | 60.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 28 |
| Existence: | 1961– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Dom Bosco, 123
Humaitá, AM 69800-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Humaitá was erected on 26 June 1961 by Pope John XXIII through the apostolic constitution "Cum Venerabilis Frater", carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Manaus and the Territorial Prelature of Lábrea. The new diocese was created to better serve the growing Catholic population along the Madeira River and surrounding Amazonian communities.
History
Early Years
Following its establishment, the diocese focused on expanding missionary presence among riverine and indigenous populations in western Amazonas. The first bishop, Miguel d’Aversa, S.D.B., oversaw the construction of the cathedral and initial parish networks.
Modern Era
In subsequent decades the diocese has emphasized inculturated evangelization and care for the environment, reflecting the challenges of the Amazon region. Boundary adjustments occurred in 1986 when portions of its territory were transferred to the newly created Diocese of Lábrea.
Geography
The diocese covers the municipalities of Humaitá, Manicoré, Novo Aripuanã, and Apuí in the state of Amazonas. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of Manaus.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Humaitá serves as the mother church of the diocese. The present structure was dedicated in 1972 and features a simple modern design suited to the tropical climate.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop José Maria Chaves dos Reis has served as the fifth ordinary since his appointment on 19 June 2019. A native of the region, he previously served as a parish priest and vicar general in the same diocese.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned to the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Miguel d’Aversa, S.D.B. | 1961–1986 | First bishop; transferred to the Archdiocese of Sant’Ana de Goiás. |
| José Joventino do Nascimento | 1986–1998 | Oversaw expansion of indigenous pastoral work. |
| Geraldo Lyrio Rocha | 1998–2002 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Vitória da Conquista. |
| Francisco de Assis Dantas de Lucena | 2003–2018 | Focused on Amazonian environmental issues; retired. |
| José Maria Chaves dos Reis | 2019–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), combining traditional sacramental life with strong emphasis on social outreach to indigenous and river communities. The bishop has promoted both liturgical formation and care for creation in line with papal teaching on the Amazon.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 200,000 square kilometers and serves around 180,000 registered Catholics in 22 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians have maintained a presence since the diocese’s founding, operating schools and youth centers in Humaitá.
Parishes
| Diocese of Humaitá |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese comprises 22 parishes organized into four deaneries across the municipalities of Humaitá, Manicoré, Novo Aripuanã, and Apuí.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates 15 Catholic schools serving elementary and secondary students.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide health services, literacy courses, and support for families in remote river communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- Bishop Miguel d’Aversa, the founding bishop, was a Salesian missionary who spent decades working among Amazonian peoples before his transfer.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Humaitá:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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