Diocese of São Luís de Montes Belos
The Diocese of São Luís de Montes Belos, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the central Brazilian state of Goiás. Established on 25 November 1961 by Pope John XXIII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Goiânia and ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Lindomar Rocha Mota, who was appointed in 2023. It maintains a focus on evangelization and pastoral care across its territory in the interior of Goiás. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of São Luís de Montes Belos
| Diocese: Diocese of São Luís de Montes Belos | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Goiânia |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Goiânia |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Goiás |
| Bishop: | Lindomar Rocha Mota |
| Website: | https://diocesesaoluis.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1961– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua 15 de Novembro, 1200
São Luís de Montes Belos, GO 76100-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of São Luís de Montes Belos was erected on 25 November 1961 by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the western part of Goiás, carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Goiânia.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in Brazil’s interior during the mid-twentieth century. Its first bishop, Bishop José de Almeida, oversaw the construction of the cathedral and the organization of parishes in previously underserved rural areas. Subsequent bishops continued to develop educational and social ministries while adapting to demographic changes in the region.
Geography
The diocese covers the western portion of Goiás, including the municipalities of São Luís de Montes Belos, Iporá, Israelândia, and surrounding areas. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of Goiânia.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of São Luís de Montes Belos, located in the city of São Luís de Montes Belos, serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Lindomar Rocha Mota has served as bishop since 2023. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop in another Brazilian diocese before his appointment to São Luís de Montes Belos.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José de Almeida | 1961–1976 | First bishop; established initial parishes and cathedral. |
| Miguel Fenelon Câmara | 1976–1987 | Oversaw expansion of schools and social works. |
| Alberto Taveira Corrêa | 1987–1995 | Later transferred to Palmas. |
| Antônio Carlos Félix da Silva | 1995–2003 | Focused on rural evangelization. |
| José Carlos de Oliveira | 2004–2014 | Promoted vocations and youth ministry. |
| José de Almeida Júnior | 2015–2022 | Emphasized family pastoral care. |
| Lindomar Rocha Mota | 2023–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.8), with traditional liturgical practices maintained in several parishes alongside standard Novus Ordo celebrations, a balanced emphasis on both doctrinal formation and community outreach, and leadership that prioritizes fidelity to Church teaching.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 15,000 square miles (38,850 km²) and serves around 180,000 registered Catholics in 28 parishes.
Religious Communities
Sisters of the Divine Providence
The Sisters of the Divine Providence conduct educational and catechetical work throughout the diocese.
Parishes
| Diocese of São Luís de Montes Belos |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese comprises 28 parishes organized into four deaneries serving both urban centers and rural communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates 15 Catholic schools providing elementary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs in the diocese assist families with food distribution, health services, and emergency aid.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese hosted its first diocesan Eucharistic Congress in 2018, drawing thousands of faithful from across Goiás.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of São Luís de Montes Belos:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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