Diocese of Macapá
The Diocese of Macapá, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the northern region of Brazil. Established in 1943, it serves the faithful across the state of Amapá and forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Belém do Pará. The diocese supports a growing Catholic community through its parishes, schools, and outreach programs in a region marked by diverse indigenous and Amazonian cultures. Its current bishop has led the see since 2019, emphasizing evangelization and care for the Amazon environment. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Macapá
| Diocese: Diocese of Macapá | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Belém do Pará |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Belém do Pará |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Amapá |
| Bishop: | José Lima Belo |
| Website: | https://diocesedemacapa.org.br/ |
| Existence: | 1943– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua São José, 782, Macapá, AP 68900-001, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Macapá was erected on 9 November 1943 by Pope Pius XII from territory previously part of the Archdiocese of Belém do Pará to serve the growing Catholic population in the Amazon region of northern Brazil.
History
The diocese developed amid the challenges of the Amazon frontier, with early bishops focusing on establishing parishes and missions among indigenous communities and settlers. Boundary adjustments occurred over subsequent decades as the region grew, but the see has remained continuously active without suppression or merger.
Geography
The diocese covers the entire state of Amapá in northern Brazil, including its capital city of Macapá and surrounding municipalities along the Amazon River and Atlantic coast. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Belém do Pará.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Macapá serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
José Lima Belo has served as bishop since 2019.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| João Batista Marchesi | 1944–1957 | First Bishop of Macapá. |
| José Maria Pires | 1957–1965 | Transferred to Diocese of Marabá. |
| Angelo Maria Rivato | 1965–1980 | Retired. |
| Luiz Soares Vieira | 1981–1992 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Manaus. |
| Carlos Verzeletti | 1994–2010 | Retired. |
| Pedro José Conti | 2010–2019 | Retired. |
| José Lima Belo | 2019–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices alongside attention to both traditional teachings and social outreach in the Amazon context.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across the state of Amapá.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include various missionary congregations focused on education and pastoral work in the Amazon.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized to serve urban and rural communities throughout Amapá.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates Catholic schools providing education integrated with faith formation.
Community Outreach
Programs include support for families, indigenous communities, and environmental initiatives in the Amazon region.
Notable Events or Figures
- Early missionary efforts established the first parishes in remote Amazon areas during the mid-20th century.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Macapá:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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