Diocese of Neiva
The Diocese of Neiva, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the departments of Huila and Tolima in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Froilán Tiberio Casas Ortíz as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, with 62 parishes and 12 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 Colombia.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Neiva
| Diocese: Diocese of Neiva | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Bogotá |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Bogotá |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Huila and Tolima |
| Bishop: | Froilán Tiberio Casas Ortíz |
| Website: | https://diocesisdeneiva.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 6 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Bogotá |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 8 No. 4-45, Neiva, Huila |
Establishment
The Diocese of Neiva was established on June 24, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the departments of Huila and Tolima, splitting from the Archdiocese of Bogotá.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its first bishop, José Gabriel Calderón Contreras, playing a significant role in the development of the diocese. The diocese has undergone several changes, including the creation of new parishes and the establishment of a seminary.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the departments of Huila and Tolima, including the cities of Neiva, Garzón, and Espinal. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá.[3]
Mother Church
The Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción in Neiva, a beautiful example of colonial architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Froilán Tiberio Casas Ortíz has served since 2012. A former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Bogotá, he focuses on evangelization and social outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Gabriel Calderón Contreras | 1958–1962 | First Bishop of Neiva. |
| Miguel Ángel Arce Vivas | 1962–1975 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Popayán. |
| Ramón Darío Molina Jaramillo | 1975–1984 | Retired. |
| Rafael Sarmiento Peralta | 1984–1994 | Transferred to the Archdiocese of Nueva Pamplona. |
| Froilán Tiberio Casas Ortíz | 2012–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[6]
Statistics
The diocese covers 10,523 square miles (27,260 km²), serves 1,200,000 registered Catholics across 62 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 10 No. 5-50, Neiva, Huila.[8] Jesuits
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital in Garzón. Address: Calle 15 No. 7-50, Garzón, Huila.[9] Sisters of Charity
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Neiva (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocations@diocesisdeneiva.org
- Phone: (8) 821-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: August 15, 2023
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Neiva, covering the departments of Huila and Tolima, is a vibrant diocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 62 parishes across 6 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The diocese includes a shrine dedicated to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[10]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio María Inmaculada | Neiva | High School | Colegio María Inmaculada[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 participants.[13] Saint Ezequiel Moreno y Díaz, a former bishop, shaped early theology.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Neiva:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Neiva". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dneiv.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis de Neiva". https://diocesisdeneiva.org/historia/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Diocese of Neiva". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dneiv.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción". https://diocesisdeneiva.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Bishop Froilán Tiberio Casas Ortíz". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcasas.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Diocese of Neiva". https://diocesisdeneiva.org/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Diocese of Neiva". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dneiv.html. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Jesuits in Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Sisters of Charity". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Parishes in Diocese of Neiva". https://diocesisdeneiva.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Colegio María Inmaculada". https://colegiomariainmaculada.edu.co/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Caritas". https://diocesisdeneiva.org/caritas/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://diocesisdeneiva.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2023-08-15.