Diocese of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga
The Diocese of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. Established in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI through the merger of the former Diocese of Rondonópolis and the Territorial Prelature of Guiratinga, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Cuiabá. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Juventino Kestering, appointed in 2019, and serves a Catholic population across a vast rural and agricultural region. It plays a vital role in supporting faith communities in central-western Brazil amid ongoing evangelization efforts.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga
| Diocese: Diocese of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Cuiabá |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Cuiabá |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Mato Grosso |
| Bishop: | Juventino Kestering |
| Website: | https://dioceserdg.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 60.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 15 |
| High Schools: | 5 |
| Deaneries: | 6 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 2010– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Rondonópolis |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Dom Aquino, 1450, Rondonópolis, MT 78700-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga was established on 25 June 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI through the union of the Diocese of Rondonópolis and the Territorial Prelature of Guiratinga. This reorganization addressed pastoral needs in the expanding agricultural areas of southern Mato Grosso. The new diocese was placed under the metropolitan authority of the Archdiocese of Cuiabá.
History
Early Development
The territory originally formed part of the Diocese of Cuiabá before the creation of the Diocese of Rondonópolis in 1983. Missionary activity in the region dates to the 20th century with the arrival of religious orders serving rural populations.
Merger and Renaming
In 2010 the see was renamed and expanded to include the area of the suppressed Territorial Prelature of Guiratinga, strengthening local Church structures.
Geography
The diocese covers southern portions of Mato Grosso, including the municipalities of Rondonópolis, Guiratinga, and surrounding rural districts. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of Cuiabá.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Rondonópolis serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Juventino Kestering has served since 2019. A native of the region, he previously served as an auxiliary bishop in another Brazilian diocese.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José Márcio da Fonseca | 2010–2019 | First bishop of the renamed diocese; oversaw initial organization after merger. |
| Juventino Kestering | 2019–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard Novus Ordo celebrations alongside occasional traditional practices and equal attention to doctrinal formation and social outreach programs in rural communities.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 60,000 square kilometers and serves around 400,000 registered Catholics across 45 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians
The Salesians operate schools and youth ministry programs in the diocese.
Parishes
| Diocese of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese comprises 45 parishes organized into six deaneries serving urban and rural faithful.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese oversees 20 Catholic schools providing primary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs support agricultural families and health initiatives throughout the territory.
Notable Events or Figures
- The 2010 erection of the diocese marked a significant reorganization to better serve the growing population in Mato Grosso's agricultural heartland.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Rondonópolis-Guiratinga:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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