Diocese of Propriá
The Diocese of Propriá, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Sergipe in Brazil. Founded on 30 October 1960 by Pope John XXIII, it serves the Catholic population across several municipalities in the lower São Francisco River region as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Aracaju. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Vítor Agnaldo de Menezes, who was appointed in 2023, and maintains a focus on pastoral care, education, and evangelization in its territory. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Propriá
| Diocese: Diocese of Propriá | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Aracaju |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Aracaju |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Sergipe |
| Bishop: | Vítor Agnaldo de Menezes |
| Website: | https://diocesedepropria.org.br |
| Existence: | 1960– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Monsenhor Olímpio Campos, 280
Propriá, SE 49900-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Propriá was established on 30 October 1960 by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the lower São Francisco River area of Sergipe, with territory taken from the Archdiocese of Aracaju and the Diocese of Estância.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in northeastern Brazil during the mid-twentieth century. Its early years focused on organizing parishes and establishing basic pastoral structures in a predominantly rural region. Over subsequent decades, the diocese developed educational and social initiatives while maintaining its connection to the metropolitan see of Aracaju.
Geography
The diocese covers the municipalities of Propriá, Aquidabã, Canhoba, Cedro de São João, Cumbe, Gararu, Graccho Cardoso, Itabi, Japoatã, Malhada dos Bois, Monte Alegre de Sergipe, Muribeca, Neópolis, Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, Pacatuba, Poço Redondo, Porto da Folha, São Francisco, and Telha in the state of Sergipe.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Propriá serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Vítor Agnaldo de Menezes has served as bishop since 2023.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Brandão de Castro, C.S.Sp. | 1960–1976 | First bishop; oversaw initial organization of the diocese. |
| José Palhano de Jesus | 1976–1980 | Transferred to another see. |
| Aloísio Hilário de Pinho, F.D.P. | 1981–1986 | Later transferred. |
| João Maria Messi, O.S.M. | 1988–1995 | Transferred to another see. |
| José Palmeira da Silva | 1996–1999 | Died in office. |
| Mário Rino Sivieri | 2000–2017 | Retired. |
| Vítor Agnaldo de Menezes | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices in the Novus Ordo alongside occasional traditional devotions, equal attention to doctrinal teaching and social outreach programs, and leadership focused on pastoral stability.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its listed municipalities in Sergipe.
Religious Communities
Religious communities active in the diocese include the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and the Servite Order, which have contributed to parish ministry and education.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes organized under its pastoral coordination.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools and catechetical programs throughout its territory.
Community Outreach
Programs include assistance to families and support for local charitable initiatives coordinated through parishes.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope John XXIII as part of the Church’s response to pastoral needs in rural Brazil.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Propriá:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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