Diocese of Paracatu

The Diocese of Paracatu, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Erected on 14 June 1964 by Pope Paul VI, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Brasília and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population across multiple municipalities. The diocese maintains its see in the city of Paracatu, with a focus on pastoral care in the interior regions of the state. Its current bishop is José de Lanza Neto, who has led the diocese since 2016.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Paracatu

Diocese: Diocese of Paracatu
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Brasília
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Brasília
Country:	Brazil
Region:	Minas Gerais
Bishop:	José de Lanza Neto
Existence:	1964–

Establishment

The Diocese of Paracatu was established on 14 June 1964 by Pope Paul VI to serve the growing Catholic population in the northern region of Minas Gerais, drawing territory from the Archdiocese of Brasília and the Diocese of Uberlândia.

History

The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in Brazil's interior during the mid-twentieth century. Its territory has remained stable since erection, with pastoral emphasis on rural communities and evangelization.

Geography

The diocese covers municipalities in northern Minas Gerais, including Paracatu and surrounding areas within the Ecclesiastical Province of Brasília.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Paracatu serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

José de Lanza Neto has served as bishop since 2016.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
José Vieira de Matos	1965–1976	First bishop; transferred to another see.
José Gonçalves da Silva	1976–1984	Oversaw early development of the diocese.
José Francisco Versiani Vilela	1984–1994	Focused on pastoral expansion.
Claudio Hummes	1996–1998	Later became cardinal; transferred to Sant'Angelo in Vado.
José Ronaldo Ribeiro	1999–2015	Long-serving bishop; retired.
José de Lanza Neto	2016–present	Current bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese follows mainstream Catholic practices in a rural Brazilian context, with balanced emphasis on traditional teachings and community outreach.

Statistics

The diocese serves registered Catholics across its parishes in northern Minas Gerais.

Religious Communities

Religious orders active in the diocese support parish ministry and education.

Parishes

The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving the faithful in its territory.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools in its region.

Community Outreach

Programs focus on social assistance and evangelization in rural areas.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI as part of the Church's response to demographic growth in Brazil.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Paracatu:

Did you know? The Diocese of Paracatu was erected in 1964 by Pope Paul VI to meet the spiritual needs of Catholics in the vast rural expanses of northern Minas Gerais.

Surprise! The see city of Paracatu gives the diocese its name and hosts the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist as its spiritual center.

Here's something cool: Several bishops who served in Paracatu went on to prominent roles, including Cardinal Claudio Hummes who later served in major archdioceses.

Wow moment: The diocese covers a large territory in the Brazilian interior, bringing the sacraments to communities far from major urban centers.

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Associated saints

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Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

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External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Brasília]