Diocese of Les Cayes

The Diocese of Les Cayes, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in Haiti. Established in 1861, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Port-au-Prince and ministers to Catholics across the southern departments of the country. The diocese maintains its see in the coastal city of Les Cayes and continues to serve a population facing significant pastoral and social challenges. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Les Cayes

Diocese: Diocese of Les Cayes
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Port-au-Prince
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince
Country:	Haiti
Region:	Sud
Bishop:	Bertran Aristil
Existence:	1861–

Establishment

The Diocese of Les Cayes was erected on 3 October 1861 by Pope Pius IX to serve the growing Catholic population in southern Haiti.

History

The diocese developed amid the post-independence expansion of the Catholic Church in Haiti. Its territory has remained largely stable since erection, though the region has experienced repeated natural disasters and political instability that affected pastoral work.

Geography

The diocese covers the southern portion of Haiti, including the Sud department and adjacent areas.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Saint Louis in Les Cayes serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bertran Aristil has served as bishop since 2021.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Jean-Marie-Alexandre-Alexis Guillemin	1861–1870	First bishop; died in office.
Constant-Mathurin Hillion	1870–1886	Transferred to Port-au-Prince.
Jean-Marie-François Guilloux	1886–1890	Died in office.
François-Xavier Corneille	1890–1893	Died in office.
Jean-Marie-Alexandre-Alexis Guilloux	1893–1905	Died in office.
Joseph-Marie Le Gouaze	1905–1929	Died in office.
François-Marie Kersuzan	1929–1930	Died in office.
Joseph-Marie Le Gouaze	1930–1941	Died in office.
Joseph-Marie Le Gouaze	1941–1955	Died in office.
Rémy Augustin	1955–1977	Retired.
Jean-Baptiste Bruny	1977–2009	Retired.
Pierre-André Dumas	2009–2021	Transferred.
Bertran Aristil	2021–present	Current bishop.

Statistics

The diocese serves a Catholic population across multiple parishes in southern Haiti.

Religious Communities

Religious communities active in the diocese include various missionary congregations engaged in parish ministry and education.

Parishes

The diocese comprises numerous parishes distributed throughout its territory.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools at the elementary and secondary levels.

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities and local initiatives provide assistance in health, education, and disaster relief.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese has endured major earthquakes, including the 2010 event that caused extensive damage to church properties.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Les Cayes:

Did you know? The Diocese of Les Cayes was founded in 1861 by Pope Pius IX to reach Catholics living along Haiti’s southern coast.

Surprise! Its cathedral, dedicated to Saint Louis, stands as a central landmark in the historic port city of Les Cayes.

Here’s something cool: Bishops of Les Cayes have guided the faithful through hurricanes, earthquakes, and political changes for more than 160 years.

Wow moment: The diocese belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Port-au-Prince, linking it closely with the rest of the Haitian Church.

Little-known gem: Many religious sisters and brothers from international congregations have served in schools and clinics throughout the diocese.

Fun fact: The southern location gives the diocese a beautiful coastal setting that includes both mountains and Caribbean shoreline.

Did you know? The faithful of Les Cayes maintain strong Marian devotions alongside their patronal feast of Saint Louis.

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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 Catholic-Hierarchy.org]
• [Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince resources]