Diocese of Ponta de Pedras
The Diocese of Ponta de Pedras, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the northern region of Brazil. Established in 1959 by Pope John XXIII, it serves a vast Amazonian territory centered on the municipality of Ponta de Pedras in the state of Pará. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Belém do Pará, the diocese ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population across numerous islands and river communities. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Ponta de Pedras
| Diocese: Diocese of Ponta de Pedras | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Belém do Pará |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Belém do Pará |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Pará |
| Bishop: | Luiz Campelo Viana |
| Existence: | 1959– |
| Rating: | 3.0 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Ponta de Pedras was erected on 29 December 1959 by Pope John XXIII, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Belém do Pará to better serve the growing Catholic communities in the Marajó Archipelago region.
History
The diocese developed amid the challenges of the Amazon basin, with early bishops focusing on establishing parishes accessible primarily by boat. Boundary adjustments occurred in later decades as new dioceses were created in northern Brazil, but the see has remained continuously active since its founding.
Geography
The diocese covers parts of the Marajó Archipelago and adjacent areas within the state of Pará, including numerous riverine and island communities.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Ponta de Pedras serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Luiz Campelo Viana has led the diocese since his appointment in 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gregório Antônio Maria de Nóbrega, C.SS.R. | 1961–1967 | First bishop; transferred to another see. |
| Mário Roberto Emmett Anglim, C.SS.R. | 1967–1971 | Resigned. |
| Ângelo Maria Rivato, S.J. | 1972–1976 | Transferred. |
| José Afonso Ribeiro, T.O.R. | 1976–1978 | Appointed auxiliary elsewhere. |
| João Maria Messi, O.S.M. | 1978–1981 | Transferred. |
| José Maria Chaves dos Reis | 1981–1984 | Later transferred. |
| José Afonso Ribeiro, T.O.R. | 1984–1999 | Retired. |
| José Belisário da Silva, O.F.M. | 1999–2005 | Transferred to São Luís de Montes Belos. |
| Alessio Saccardo, S.J. | 2005–2013 | Retired. |
| Antônio de Assis Ribeiro, S.D.B. | 2014–2023 | Transferred. |
| Luiz Campelo Viana | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.0), with standard liturgical practices and attention to both traditional teachings and local pastoral needs in the Amazon context.
Statistics
The diocese encompasses a large but sparsely populated area with limited published statistical data on parishes and Catholic population.
Religious Communities
Limited information is available on specific religious communities currently active in the diocese.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving riverine communities, with a full list maintained on diocesan records.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports basic educational initiatives in its parishes, though comprehensive school lists are not publicly detailed in available sources.
Community Outreach
Pastoral outreach focuses on sacramental ministry and support for isolated communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- Early missionary efforts emphasized boat-based evangelization across the islands of the Marajó region.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Ponta de Pedras:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results
References
External Links
- [Official diocesan resources via the Archdiocese of Belém do Pará]