Diocese of Irecê
The Diocese of Irecê, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the state of Bahia in Brazil. Established in 1962, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Feira de Santana and ministers to Catholics across a rural region of northeastern Brazil. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Tommaso Maria Frasella, who was appointed in 2023. It supports the faith life of local communities through parishes, schools, and charitable works in an area historically shaped by missionary efforts.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Irecê
| Diocese: Diocese of Irecê | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Feira de Santana |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Feira de Santana |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Bahia |
| Bishop: | Tommaso Maria Frasella |
| Existence: | 1962– |
| Rating: | 3.0 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Irecê was erected on 28 January 1962 by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Bahia, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Feira de Santana.
History
The diocese developed steadily after its founding, focusing on rural evangelization and the establishment of parishes in the sertão region of Bahia. Boundary adjustments occurred in later decades as neighboring dioceses were created or reorganized.
Geography
The diocese covers portions of the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil and belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Feira de Santana.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint Anne in Irecê serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Tommaso Maria Frasella has served as bishop since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luís Gonzaga da Cunha Marelim | 1962–1970 | First bishop; transferred to Caxias do Maranhão. |
| Homero Leite Meira | 1971–1976 | Transferred to Zé Doca. |
| Manuel Pessoa de Oliveira | 1976–1980 | Resigned. |
| João Maria Messi | 1981–1988 | Transferred to Barra. |
| Brocardo Sant’Ana da Silva | 1989–1996 | Resigned. |
| Geraldo D. de Araújo | 1997–2003 | Transferred to Palmeira dos Índios. |
| Tommaso Maria Frasella | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.0) in its liturgical and pastoral life.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in Bahia.
Religious Communities
Religious communities active in the diocese include various missionary congregations engaged in parish and educational work.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes organized under its pastoral structure.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools serving local children.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and parish-based programs provide social assistance throughout the region.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese continues the missionary legacy of early clergy who established the first parishes in the mid-twentieth century.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Irecê:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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References
External Links
- [Official diocesan website]