Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís
The Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Dominican Republic. Established in 1978, it serves Catholics in the northeastern provinces as part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santiago de los Caballeros. The diocese is led by Bishop Ramón Alfredo de la Cruz Baldera, who has guided its pastoral and community initiatives since his appointment. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís
| Diocese: Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Santiago de los Caballeros |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Santiago de los Caballeros |
| Country: | Dominican Republic |
| Region: | Duarte, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Samaná |
| Bishop: | Ramón Alfredo de la Cruz Baldera |
| Website: | https://www.diocesissfm.org |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1978– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 27 de Febrero No. 15, San Francisco de Macorís, Duarte, Dominican Republic |
Establishment
The Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís was erected on 16 January 1978 by Pope Paul VI through the apostolic constitution "Cum ad spirituale" to better serve the growing Catholic population in the northeastern Dominican Republic, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Santiago de los Caballeros.
History
The diocese developed rapidly after its founding amid the expansion of the Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic following the Second Vatican Council. Key milestones include the construction of its cathedral and the establishment of parishes to reach rural communities. It has maintained steady growth in vocations and lay involvement while adapting to social changes in the region.
Geography
The diocese covers the civil provinces of Duarte, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Samaná in the northeastern Dominican Republic. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santiago de los Caballeros.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Santa Ana in San Francisco de Macorís serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Ramón Alfredo de la Cruz Baldera has served as bishop since 2016. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently serving.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jesús María de Jesús Moya | 1978–2002 | First bishop; oversaw initial organization of the diocese. |
| Fausto Ramón Mejía Vallejo | 2002–2016 | Focused on pastoral renewal and education. |
| Ramón Alfredo de la Cruz Baldera | 2016–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices including occasional traditional elements alongside contemporary worship, equal attention to doctrinal teachings and social outreach programs, and leadership that emphasizes both fidelity and community engagement.
Statistics
The diocese serves approximately 450,000 registered Catholics across 35 parishes with a total regional population of about 530,000.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians operate schools and youth programs in the diocese.
Parishes
| Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into four deaneries covering urban and rural areas of the northeast.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates 15 Catholic schools providing primary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs address poverty, health, and family support throughout the territory.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese has hosted regional Eucharistic congresses that strengthened faith formation among the faithful.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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