Diocese of Málaga-Soatá
The Diocese of Málaga-Soatá, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the municipalities of Málaga, Soatá, and others in the Boyacá department of Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Víctor Manuel Ochoa Cadavid as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Tunja, the diocese serves a diverse Catholic community in a region known for its colonial history and cultural heritage, with 24 parishes and 2 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 1,500 participants in 2022, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Málaga-Soatá
| Diocese: Diocese of Málaga-Soatá | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Tunja |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Tunja |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Boyacá |
| Bishop: | Víctor Manuel Ochoa Cadavid |
| Existence: | 1957– |
Establishment
The Diocese of Málaga-Soatá was established on July 7, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Boyacá department, splitting from the Archdiocese of Tunja.[1]
History
The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region, with the first Catholic presence dating back to the 16th century. Over the centuries, the area has been part of various dioceses, including the Archdiocese of Tunja, until its establishment as a separate diocese in 1957. The diocese has been led by several bishops, including its first bishop, Vicente Rojas Valdés, who played a key role in shaping the diocese's early years.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans several municipalities in the Boyacá department, including Málaga, Soatá, and others. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Tunja.[3]
Mother Church
The diocese's mother church is the Cathedral of Málaga-Soatá in Málaga, a colonial-style structure built in the 18th century.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Víctor Manuel Ochoa Cadavid has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Málaga-Soatá since 2023. A former priest in the Archdiocese of Tunja, he focuses on pastoral care and social outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vicente Rojas Valdés | 1957–1975 | First Bishop of Málaga-Soatá. |
| Hernando Gómez Escobar | 1975–1989 | Transferred to Diocese of Cúcuta. |
| Darío Castrillón Hoyos | 1989–1992 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Bucaramanga. |
| Víctor Manuel Ochoa Cadavid | 2023–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans towards a balanced approach (rating: 3.0), offering traditional liturgical practices, emphasizing social outreach, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[6]
Statistics
The diocese covers an area of approximately 4,919 square kilometers, serves 250,000 registered Catholics across 24 parishes, and has a total population of 350,000.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: .[8]
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Málaga-Soatá (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Pérez
- Email: vocations@diocesemalaga-soata.org
- Phone: (57) 8 854 1234
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Diocese of Málaga-Soatá |
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The Diocese of Málaga-Soatá, covering the municipalities of Málaga, Soatá, and others, is a vibrant Catholic community established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 24 parishes across 2 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 10 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio María Inmaculada | Málaga | High School | Colegio María Inmaculada |
Community Outreach
The diocese's community outreach program provides support to over 1,000 families annually.[10]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 1,500 participants.[11]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Málaga-Soatá:
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Diocesan photos
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References
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