Diocese of Patos
The Diocese of Patos, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Paraíba in Brazil. Founded in 1949 by Pope Pius XII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Paraíba and ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Eraldo Bispo da Silva, who has served since 2017, and it maintains a strong emphasis on evangelization and social outreach in the Brazilian Northeast. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Patos
| Diocese: Diocese of Patos | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Paraíba |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Paraíba |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Paraíba |
| Bishop: | Eraldo Bispo da Silva |
| Website: | https://diocesedepatos.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1949– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Monsenhor Sales, 355, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Patos was erected on 14 May 1949 by Pope Pius XII through the bull "Quo Facilius" to serve the growing Catholic communities in the interior of Paraíba, separating territory from the Archdiocese of Paraíba and the Diocese of Cajazeiras.
History
The diocese developed rapidly in the mid-twentieth century amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in northeastern Brazil. Early bishops focused on building parishes and schools in the semi-arid sertão region. In recent decades the diocese has emphasized formation of lay leaders and responses to social challenges such as drought and migration.
Geography
The Diocese of Patos covers the western portion of Paraíba, including the municipalities of Patos, Pombal, Sousa, Cajazeiras, and surrounding towns in the sertão region. It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Paraíba.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Patos serves as the mother church. The present structure was completed in the 1960s in a modern style and functions as the principal center for diocesan liturgies.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Eraldo Bispo da Silva has led the diocese since 2017. A native of Paraíba, he previously served as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Paraíba.
Auxiliary Bishops
None at present.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Terceiro de Sousa | 1950–1954 | First bishop; transferred to Diocese of Aracaju. |
| Gerardo de Andrade Ponte | 1955–1962 | Oversaw early parish expansion. |
| Expedito Eduardo de Oliveira | 1962–1990 | Longest-serving bishop; established many rural missions. |
| José da Silva | 1990–1995 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Fortaleza. |
| Francisco de Assis Dantas de Lucena | 1995–2017 | Focused on catechesis and social programs; retired. |
| Eraldo Bispo da Silva | 2017–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.8), with regular celebration of traditional devotions, balanced attention to both doctrinal formation and local social needs, and leadership that prioritizes pastoral presence in rural communities.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 8,500 square miles (22,000 km²) and serves around 280,000 registered Catholics in 28 parishes.
Religious Communities
Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians)
The Claretians assist in parish ministry and youth formation. Address: Rua Monsenhor Sales, 355, Patos, PB.
Parishes
| Diocese of Patos |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into four deaneries covering the western sertão of Paraíba.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates fifteen Catholic schools serving elementary and secondary students across the region.
Community Outreach
Caritas Patos coordinates food distribution, health initiatives, and emergency relief during periods of drought.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese hosted its first Eucharistic Congress in 2009, drawing thousands of faithful from across Paraíba.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Patos:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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