Diocese of Ourinhos
The Diocese of Ourinhos, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the western region of the state of São Paulo in Brazil. Erected on 30 December 1998 by Pope John Paul II, it belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Botucatu and ministers to a largely rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Francisco Carlos da Silva, who has served since 2019. It maintains a focus on pastoral care, education, and evangelization in its territory.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Ourinhos
| Diocese: Diocese of Ourinhos | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Botucatu |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Botucatu |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | São Paulo |
| Bishop: | Francisco Carlos da Silva |
| Website: | https://www.diocesedeourinhos.org.br |
| Catholic %: | 65.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1998– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Domingos Theodoro de Barros, 150
Ourinhos, SP 19900-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Ourinhos was established on 30 December 1998 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in western São Paulo state, with territory taken from the Archdiocese of Botucatu and the Diocese of Assis.
History
Early Years
Following its erection, the diocese focused on organizing parishes and establishing basic pastoral structures in a region previously served by neighboring sees. Bishop Fernando Legal served as the first bishop from 1998 until 2005.
Modern Era
Subsequent bishops have emphasized catechesis, youth ministry, and social outreach amid the agricultural character of the territory.
Geography
The diocese covers the western portion of São Paulo state and includes the following municipalities:
- Ourinhos
- Canitar
- Chavantes
- Ipaussu
- Salto Grande
- Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo
- São Pedro do Turvo
- and surrounding areas.
It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Botucatu.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ourinhos serves as the diocese’s mother church. The present structure was dedicated in the early 2000s and features a modern architectural style suited to the local community.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Francisco Carlos da Silva has served as bishop since 2019. A native of the region, he previously served as an auxiliary bishop in another Brazilian diocese before his appointment to Ourinhos.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fernando Legal | 1998–2005 | First Bishop of Ourinhos; later transferred. |
| Francisco Carlos da Silva | 2019–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard celebration of the Novus Ordo alongside occasional traditional devotional practices, equal attention to both doctrinal formation and social outreach programs, and leadership that follows mainstream Church priorities.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 4,800 square miles (12,400 km²) and serves around 280,000 registered Catholics across 28 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians
The Salesians of Don Bosco conduct youth education and parish ministry within the diocese.
Parishes
| Diocese of Ourinhos |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into four deaneries covering the listed municipalities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates 15 Catholic schools providing elementary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs in the diocese assist families with food distribution, health services, and emergency aid.
Notable Events or Figures
- The first diocesan synod was held in 2003 to set pastoral priorities for the new see.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Ourinhos:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results