Diocese of San Marcos
The Diocese of San Marcos, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the western highlands of Guatemala. Established in 1961, it serves a predominantly indigenous population across the Department of San Marcos. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán, the diocese maintains a focus on pastoral care in rural and mountainous regions. Its current bishop is Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez, OFM, appointed in 2021. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of San Marcos
| Diocese: Diocese of San Marcos | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán |
| Country: | Guatemala |
| Region: | San Marcos Department |
| Bishop: | Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez |
| Website: | https://www.diosesanmarcos.org/ |
| Existence: | 1961– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | San Marcos, Guatemala |
Establishment
The Diocese of San Marcos was erected on 10 March 1961 by Pope John XXIII from territory previously part of the Diocese of Quetzaltenango.
History
The diocese was created to address the pastoral needs of the growing Catholic population in the San Marcos region amid post-colonial missionary expansion. Its territory has remained stable since establishment, with emphasis on evangelization among Mayan communities.
Geography
The diocese covers the entire San Marcos Department in western Guatemala. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint Mark in San Marcos serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez, OFM, has served as bishop since 2021.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Angelico Melotto Mazzardo, OFM | 1961–1970 | First bishop; transferred to another see. |
| Próspero Penados del Barrio | 1971–1983 | Later became Archbishop of Guatemala. |
| Julio Amílcar Bethancourt y Fernández | 1984–1988 | Died in office. |
| Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri | 1989–2012 | Transferred to Huehuetenango; created cardinal in 2019. |
| Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez, OFM | 2021–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and attention to both traditional teachings and community outreach in indigenous areas.
Statistics
The diocese serves a Catholic population across its territory in the San Marcos Department.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include the Order of Friars Minor.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes serving rural and urban communities throughout the department.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools focused on faith formation and basic education.
Community Outreach
Programs emphasize support for indigenous families and rural development.
Notable Events or Figures
- Cardinal Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri served as bishop here before his elevation.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of San Marcos:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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