Diocese of Marília
The Diocese of Marília, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the western region of the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Established in 1952 by Pope Pius XII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Botucatu and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across multiple municipalities. The diocese maintains its mother church in the city of Marília and continues to support pastoral initiatives in education and community service within its territory.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Marília
| Diocese: Diocese of Marília | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Botucatu |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Botucatu |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | São Paulo |
| Bishop: | Luiz Antônio Lopes Ricci |
| Existence: | 1952– |
Establishment
The Diocese of Marília was erected on 16 February 1952 by Pope Pius XII from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Botucatu and the Diocese of Lins to serve the expanding Catholic communities in western São Paulo.
History
The diocese was created amid post-war population growth and agricultural development in the interior of São Paulo. Its boundaries have remained stable since erection, with pastoral focus on rural parishes and evangelization.
Geography
The diocese covers municipalities in the western part of São Paulo state, including Marília and surrounding areas. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Botucatu.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Marília serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Luiz Antônio Lopes Ricci has served as bishop since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hugo Bressane de Araújo | 1952–1963 | First bishop; transferred to other see. |
| José de Almeida Moraes Júnior | 1964–1975 | Oversaw early expansion. |
| Daniel Aratangy | 1975–1989 | Served during period of growth. |
| Fernando Antônio Figueiredo | 1989–2005 | Later transferred. |
| Maurício Goulart Domingues | 2006–2014 | Focused on pastoral renewal. |
| Dilmo Franco de Campos | 2015–2022 | Retired. |
| Luiz Antônio Lopes Ricci | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Statistics
The diocese encompasses a defined territory in western São Paulo with multiple parishes serving the local Catholic population.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes distributed across its municipalities.
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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