Diocese of Neuquén
The Diocese of Neuquén, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. Established in 1961 by Pope John XXIII, it serves the Catholic faithful across a vast Patagonian region as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Mendoza. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Fernando Martín Croxatto, who was appointed in 2020. It plays a vital role in supporting Catholic life in a territory marked by both natural beauty and growing communities.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Neuquén
| Diocese: Diocese of Neuquén | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Mendoza |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Mendoza |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Neuquén Province |
| Bishop: | Fernando Martín Croxatto |
| Website: | https://www.diocesisneuquen.org.ar |
| Existence: | 1961– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | San Martín 345, Neuquén, Argentina |
Establishment
The Diocese of Neuquén was erected on 11 February 1961 by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Neuquén region of Patagonia, taking territory from the Diocese of Viedma.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Church in southern Argentina during the mid-twentieth century. Its territory has remained stable since erection, with pastoral focus on both urban centers and remote rural areas.
Geography
The diocese covers the entire Neuquén Province in Argentina.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Neuquén serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Fernando Martín Croxatto has served as bishop since 2020.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently appointed.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco de Borgia (Jorge) Ferreira | 1961–1963 | First bishop; transferred to another see. |
| Adolfo Roque Esteban Pérez | 1963–1972 | Oversaw early development of the diocese. |
| Agustín Roberto Radrizzani | 1972–1978 | Later became Archbishop of Mercedes-Luján. |
| José María Arancibia | 1978–1993 | Transferred to Mendoza. |
| Marcelo Daniel Colombo | 2014–2020 | Transferred to La Plata. |
| Fernando Martín Croxatto | 2020–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and attention to both doctrinal fidelity and pastoral outreach in a frontier region.
Statistics
The diocese encompasses a large area of Neuquén Province and serves thousands of Catholics across multiple parishes.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include various congregations engaged in education and parish ministry.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes distributed throughout Neuquén Province.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in the region.
Community Outreach
Programs include social assistance coordinated through local Caritas initiatives.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese has hosted regional pastoral assemblies focused on evangelization in Patagonia.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Neuquén:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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