Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte

The Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the northeastern state of Brazil. It was erected on 28 August 1938 by Pope Pius XI to serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Ceará. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Fortaleza, the diocese ministers to a predominantly rural faithful through numerous parishes and missions. Its territory includes several municipalities in the Jaguaribe Valley region, reflecting the Church's ongoing presence in Brazil's Northeast.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte

Diocese: Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Fortaleza
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Fortaleza
Country:	Brazil
Region:	Ceará
Bishop:	José Nobre do Nascimento
Existence:	1938–

Establishment

The Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte was established on 28 August 1938 by Pope Pius XI to serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Ceará, splitting from the Archdiocese of Fortaleza.

History

The diocese developed through missionary efforts in the Jaguaribe Valley during the mid-twentieth century. Boundary adjustments occurred as new dioceses were erected in the region.

Geography

The diocese covers municipalities in the eastern portion of Ceará, including Limoeiro do Norte and surrounding areas within the Jaguaribe Valley. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Fortaleza.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Limoeiro do Norte serves as the diocese’s mother church.

Leadership

Current Bishop

José Nobre do Nascimento has served since 2023.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Aureliano Matos	1938–1940	First bishop; transferred.
Vicente de Paulo Araújo Matos	1940–1948	Oversaw early expansion.
José Maria Mota	1949–1959	Transferred to another see.
José Freire Falcão	1967–1971	Later became cardinal.
Pompeu Bezerra Bessa	1971–1991	Long-serving bishop.
Abdi Januário Nogueira	1992–1999	Retired.
José Haring	2000–2017	Retired.
José Nobre do Nascimento	2023–present	Current bishop.

Statistics

The diocese serves registered Catholics across multiple parishes in Ceará.

Religious Communities

Religious orders have supported education and pastoral work in the diocese since its founding.

Parishes

The diocese maintains parishes throughout its territory.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools in the region.

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities and local initiatives provide social services.

Notable Events or Figures

• Early bishops promoted evangelization in rural Ceará.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte:

Did you know? The Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte was founded in 1938 by Pope Pius XI to reach Catholics in the remote Jaguaribe Valley of Ceará.

Surprise! Its first bishop, Aureliano Matos, guided the new diocese through its earliest years before being transferred elsewhere.

Here's something cool: The cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary stands as the spiritual heart of the diocese in Limoeiro do Norte.

Wow moment: Several bishops from Limoeiro do Norte later served in larger Brazilian sees, including future Cardinal José Freire Falcão.

Little-known gem: The diocese covers rural municipalities where traditional Catholic feasts remain central to community life.

Dynamic content

Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

No results

External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Fortaleza]