Diocese of Riobamba
The Diocese of Riobamba, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the provinces of Chimborazo, Bolivar, and parts of Cañar in Ecuador. Founded in 1862 by Pope Pius IX, it is led by Bishop José Luis Astigarraga Lizarralde as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito, the diocese serves a predominantly Catholic population in a region known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, with 54 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Andean region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Riobamba
| Diocese: Diocese of Riobamba | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Quito |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Quito |
| Country: | Ecuador |
| Region: | Chimborazo |
| Bishop: | José Luis Astigarraga Lizarralde |
| Website: | https://diocesisriobamba.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1862– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Quito |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle García Moreno 13-49, Riobamba, Ecuador |
Establishment
The Diocese of Riobamba was established on June 29, 1862, by Pope Pius IX to serve the growing Catholic population in the provinces of Chimborazo, Bolivar, and parts of Cañar in Ecuador, splitting from the Archdiocese of Quito.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its first bishop, José Ignacio Ordóñez, playing a significant role in the region's spiritual and social development. Over the years, the diocese has undergone several changes, including the creation of new parishes and the establishment of various Catholic institutions, such as schools and hospitals.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the provinces of Chimborazo, Bolivar, and parts of Cañar in Ecuador, covering an area of approximately 7,500 square miles. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Quito and includes several notable cities, such as Riobamba, Guaranda, and Azogues.[3]
Mother Church
The Riobamba Cathedral, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church. Built in the late 19th century, it features stunning stained-glass windows and a impressive bell tower.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
José Luis Astigarraga Lizarralde has served as the bishop of Riobamba since 2023. A native of Ecuador, he has a strong background in theology and has worked extensively in the fields of education and social justice.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Ignacio Ordóñez | 1862-1874 | First Bishop of Riobamba. |
| Pedro Schumacher | 1876-1892 | Oversaw the construction of the Riobamba Cathedral. |
| Andrés Machado | 1893-1905 | Played a key role in the development of Catholic education in the region. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social teachings, while also promoting social justice and outreach programs. The bishop has a moderate stance, balancing traditional values with contemporary issues.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers an area of approximately 7,500 square miles, serves 850,000 registered Catholics across 54 parishes, and has a total population of 1.2 million. The diocese includes 12 missions, 20 Catholic elementary schools, and 10 Catholic high schools.[8]
Religious Communities
The diocese is home to several religious orders, including the Jesuits, who operate a school and support parish ministries, and the Sisters of Charity, who manage healthcare services, including a hospital.[9]
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Riobamba (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Morales
- Email: vocaciones@diocesisriobamba.org
- Phone: (593) 3 294 1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: September 1, 2023
Parishes
| Diocese of Riobamba |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Riobamba has 54 parishes, organized into 5 deaneries, covering the provinces of Chimborazo, Bolivar, and parts of Cañar. The parishes serve diverse communities, with a strong emphasis on social outreach and evangelization.[10]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 Catholic elementary schools and 10 Catholic high schools, providing education to over 10,000 students.
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio San Felipe | Riobamba | High School | Colegio San Felipe |
Community Outreach
The diocese operates several community outreach programs, including a food bank, a healthcare clinic, and a social services center, serving over 5,000 people annually.[11]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants from across the region.[12]
- The diocese is home to several notable saints, including Saint Mariana de Jesús, the first Ecuadorian saint, who was born in the city of Quito but has a strong devotion in the diocese.[13]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Riobamba:
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Riobamba". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/driob.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis". https://diocesisriobamba.org/historia/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Provincias del Ecuador". https://www.ecuadorencifras.gob.ec/provincia/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Catedral de Riobamba". https://diocesisriobamba.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Obispo de Riobamba". https://diocesisriobamba.org/obispo/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Riobamba". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/driob.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Doctrina". https://diocesisriobamba.org/doctrina/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://diocesisriobamba.org/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Orden Jesuita". https://diocesisriobamba.org/ordenjesuitas/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://diocesisriobamba.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Servicios". https://diocesisriobamba.org/servicios/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://diocesisriobamba.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Santos". https://diocesisriobamba.org/santos/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.