Diocese of Jericó
The Diocese of Jericó, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the entire department of Antioquia in the Republic of Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Noel Antonio Londoño Buitrago as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Medellín, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a historically Catholic region, 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 Jericó
| Diocese: Diocese of Jericó | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Medellín |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Medellín |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Antioquia |
| Bishop: | Noel Antonio Londoño Buitrago |
| Website: | https://diocesisdejerico.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 100 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | [[Diocese of Antioquia]] |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 14 No. 15-15, Jericó, Antioquia |
Establishment
The Diocese of Jericó was established on July 29, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the department of Antioquia, splitting from the Diocese of Antioquia.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with the first bishop, Antonio José González Umaña, playing a key role in the development of the diocese. The diocese has undergone significant growth, with the establishment of new parishes and the construction of the cathedral, Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the entire department of Antioquia, including the municipalities of:
- Andes
- Angelópolis
- Betania
- Cañasgordas
- Frontino
- Giraldo
- Hispania
- Jardín
- Jericó
- La Pintada
- Montebello
- Pueblorrico
- Salgar
- Santa Bárbara
- Támesis
- Tarso
- Titiribí
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Medellín.[3]
Mother Church
The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes in Jericó, a beautiful structure built in the 20th century, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Noel Antonio Londoño Buitrago has served as the bishop of Jericó since 2013. A former vicar general, he focuses on promoting vocations and supporting the diocese's educational institutions.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antonio José González Umaña | 1957–1966 | First Bishop of Jericó. |
| Augusto Trujillo Arango | 1966–1970 | Transferred to Diocese of Quibdó. |
| Juan Eliseo Mojica Oliveros | 1970–1977 | Resigned. |
| Hernando Velásquez Lotero | 1977–1985 | Transferred to Diocese of Facatativá. |
| Augusto Aristizábal Ospina | 1985–2007 | Retired. |
| Julio Hernando García Peláez | 2007–2012 | Transferred to Diocese of Istmina-Tadó. |
| Noel Antonio Londoño Buitrago | 2013–present | Current Bishop of Jericó. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering Latin Masses occasionally in select parishes, emphasizing traditional teachings alongside social outreach, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers 3,075 km², serves 350,000 registered Catholics across 34 parishes, and has a total population of 420,000.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 14 No. 15-15, Jericó, Antioquia.[9] Jesuitas
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital. Address: Calle 12 No. 10-10, Jericó, Antioquia.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Jericó (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@diocesisdejerico.org
- Phone: (4) 852 3131
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Diocese of Jericó |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Jericó, covering the department of Antioquia, 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. The diocese includes a few shrines and hosts pilgrimage sites, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[11]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instituto San José | Jericó | High School | Instituto San José[12] |
Community Outreach
The diocese's community outreach program provides support to over 10,000 people annually.[13]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants.[14]
- The diocese is home to the shrine of Our Lady of Las Mercedes, a popular pilgrimage site.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Jericó:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Jericó". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djeric.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdejerico.org/historia/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Geografía de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdejerico.org/geografia/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes". https://diocesisdejerico.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Obispo de Jericó". https://diocesisdejerico.org/obispo/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocese of Jericó". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djeric.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Doctrina de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdejerico.org/doctrina/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Estadísticas de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdejerico.org/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Parroquias de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdejerico.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Instituto San José". https://institutosanjose.edu.co/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Pastoral Social". https://diocesisdejerico.org/pastoralsocial/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Noticias de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdejerico.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.