Diocese of Machiques
The Diocese of Machiques, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the state of Zulia in Venezuela. Founded in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Nicolás Gregorio Nava Rojas as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Maracaibo, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its oil reserves and cultural diversity, with 25 parishes and 5 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 the region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Machiques
| Diocese: Diocese of Machiques | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Maracaibo |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Maracaibo |
| Country: | Venezuela |
| Region: | Zulia |
| Bishop: | Nicolás Gregorio Nava Rojas |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 30 |
| Existence: | 1990– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Maracaibo |
Establishment
The Diocese of Machiques was established on December 26, 1990, by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the state of Zulia, splitting from the Archdiocese of Maracaibo.[1]
History
The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missionary work in the region, with the first Catholic missions established in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church has played a significant role in the region's development, with the diocese being erected in 1990 to better serve the local community.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the entire state of Zulia, including the municipalities of:
- Almirante Padilla
- Baralt
- Cabimas
- Colón
- Francisco Javier Pulgar
- Guajira
- Jesús Enrique Losada
- Jesús María Semprún
- La Cañada de Urdaneta
- Lagunillas
- Machiques de Perijá
- Mara
- Maracaibo
- Miranda
- Padre Nicolás de Santa María de los Ángeles
- Páez
- Rosario de Perijá
- San Francisco
- Santa Bárbara
- Simón Rodríguez
- Sucre
- Valmore Rodríguez
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Maracaibo.[3]
Mother Church
The diocese's mother church is the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Machiques, a modern structure built in the 20th century.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Nicolás Gregorio Nava Rojas has served since 2023. A former parish priest, he focuses on social outreach and evangelization.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ramón Antonio Linares Bernal | 1990–2002 | First Bishop of Machiques. |
| José Luis Azuaje Ayala | 2002–2013 | Transferred to Diocese of Barinas. |
| Nicolás Gregorio Nava Rojas | 2023–present | Current Bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative, offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers 10,066 square miles (26,076 km²), serves 250,000 registered Catholics across 25 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[8]
Religious communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a parish and support social ministries in the diocese. Address: .[9]
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Machiques (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Gómez
- Email: vocations@diocesedemachiques.org
- Phone: (+58) 412-1234567
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Diocese of Machiques |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Machiques, covering the state of Zulia, is a vibrant missionary diocese established in 1990 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 25 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[10]
Mission and services
Catholic education
The diocese manages 10 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Asunción | Machiques | High School | Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Asunción[11] |
Community outreach
The diocese's Caritas program provides social services to over 10,000 people annually.[12]
Notable events or figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[13]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Machiques:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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References
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