Diocese of Pinheiro

The Diocese of Pinheiro, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing parts of the state of Maranhão in Brazil. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Elio Rama, I.M.C. as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão, the diocese serves a Catholic community in a region marked by strong missionary traditions and rural parishes. A notable aspect is its focus on evangelization among indigenous and farming populations in northeastern Brazil. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Pinheiro

Diocese: Diocese of Pinheiro
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of São Luís do Maranhão
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão
Country:	Brazil
Region:	Maranhão
Bishop:	Elio Rama
Existence:	1957–

Establishment

The Diocese of Pinheiro was established on 16 October 1957 by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Maranhão, splitting from the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão.

History

Early Years

Founded in 1957, the diocese initially focused on missionary work in rural areas of Maranhão under its first bishops.

Modern Era

The diocese has continued to develop parishes and pastoral programs amid the social and economic changes in northeastern Brazil.

Geography

The diocese covers portions of the state of Maranhão in Brazil. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of São Luís do Maranhão.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pinheiro serves as the diocese’s mother church.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Elio Rama, I.M.C. has served since 2023.

Auxiliary Bishops

None.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Afonso de Oliveira Lima, S.D.S.	1958–1966	First Bishop of Pinheiro; transferred to another see.
Manuel Edmilson da Cruz	1966–1986	Long-serving bishop focused on pastoral development.
Ricardo José Weberberger, O.S.B.	1986–1995	Transferred to another diocese.
Affonso Felippe Gregory	1995–2002	Retired.
Luigi Ferrando	2002–2017	Retired.
Elio Rama, I.M.C.	2023–present	Current Bishop.

Statistics

The diocese serves registered Catholics across multiple parishes in its territory.

Religious Communities

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

Parishes

The diocese includes numerous parishes organized under its pastoral structure.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports Catholic schools in its region.

Community Outreach

Programs focus on social assistance and evangelization in rural communities.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was erected to extend pastoral care to previously underserved areas of Maranhão.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Pinheiro:

Did you know? The Diocese of Pinheiro was erected in 1957 by Pope Pius XII to bring the faith to the vast rural expanses of Maranhão.

Surprise! Its first bishop, Afonso de Oliveira Lima, S.D.S., worked tirelessly to establish new parishes across frontier territory.

Here's something cool: The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary stands as the spiritual heart of the diocese in the city of Pinheiro.

Wow moment: The diocese continues the missionary spirit of northeastern Brazil through outreach to farming and indigenous communities.

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Associated saints

No saints yet.

Religious orders

No religious orderes categorized yet.

Diocesan photos

No results

External Links

• [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of São Luís do Maranhão]