Diocese of Palmares

The Diocese of Palmares, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Pernambuco in Brazil. Established on 13 January 1962 by Pope John XXIII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Olinda e Recife and ministers to a Catholic population across several municipalities in the interior of the state. The diocese maintains its see in the city of Palmares and continues to support pastoral initiatives rooted in the local Catholic heritage of northeastern Brazil. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Palmares

Diocese: Diocese of Palmares
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Ecclesiastical Province of Olinda e Recife
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Olinda e Recife
Country:	Brazil
Region:	Pernambuco
Bishop:	Lucio Andrice de Souza
Existence:	1962–
Rating:	3.5

Establishment

The Diocese of Palmares was erected on 13 January 1962 by Pope John XXIII through the apostolic constitution "Novarum Ecclesiarum" to serve the growing Catholic communities in the interior of Pernambuco, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Olinda e Recife and the Diocese of Caruaru.

History

The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in northeastern Brazil during the mid-twentieth century. Its territory has remained stable since erection, with pastoral focus on rural communities and traditional devotions.

Geography

The diocese covers municipalities in the southern portion of Pernambuco, including Palmares, Água Preta, Barreiros, and surrounding areas. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Olinda e Recife.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Palmares serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Lucio Andrice de Souza has served as bishop since 2023.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Acácio Rodrigues Alves	1962–1996	First bishop; oversaw initial organization of the diocese.
Fernando Saburido	1998–2005	Transferred to the Archdiocese of Olinda e Recife.
Henrique Soares da Costa	2006–2020	Served until his death.
Lucindo José de Souza	2021–2022	Appointed but did not take possession.
Lucio Andrice de Souza	2023–present	Current bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and attention to both traditional devotions and local social needs.

Statistics

The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in Pernambuco.

Religious Communities

Religious communities active in the diocese include various congregations engaged in parish ministry and education.

Parishes

The diocese comprises multiple parishes organized under its pastoral structure.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools in its territory.

Community Outreach

Pastoral and charitable works are carried out through parishes and diocesan initiatives.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was founded during the pontificate of Pope John XXIII as part of the Church's response to pastoral needs in Brazil.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Palmares:

Did you know? The Diocese of Palmares was established in 1962 by Pope John XXIII to better serve the rural Catholic communities of interior Pernambuco.

Surprise! Its cathedral is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and stands as the spiritual center for the faithful in Palmares.

Here's something cool: The diocese draws from the rich Catholic heritage of northeastern Brazil, including traditional feasts and processions.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

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External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Olinda e Recife]