Diocese of San Vicente
The Diocese of San Vicente, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in central El Salvador. Erected on 18 March 1942 by Pope Pius XII, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador and ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop José Elías Rauda Gutiérrez, O.F.M., who was appointed in 2021. It maintains a focus on pastoral care, education, and social outreach in a region marked by both agricultural heritage and post-conflict recovery.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of San Vicente
| Diocese: Diocese of San Vicente | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of San Salvador |
| Country: | El Salvador |
| Region: | San Vicente Department; Cabañas Department; Usulután Department |
| Bishop: | José Elías Rauda Gutiérrez |
| Website: | https://www.diocesisdesanvicente.org |
| Existence: | 1942– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Barrio El Calvario, San Vicente, El Salvador |
Establishment
The Diocese of San Vicente was established on 18 March 1942 by Pope Pius XII through the apostolic constitution "Ad regnum Dei" to serve the growing Catholic population in central El Salvador, taking territory from the Archdiocese of San Salvador.
History
The diocese was created amid the expansion of the Church in El Salvador during the mid-twentieth century. Its territory has remained stable since erection, encompassing three departments in the central zone of the country. The see has experienced steady pastoral development, including the construction of its cathedral and the establishment of parishes to reach rural communities.
Geography
The diocese covers the departments of San Vicente, Cabañas, and Usulután in central El Salvador. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar in San Vicente serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
José Elías Rauda Gutiérrez, O.F.M., has served as bishop since 2021.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Antonio Dueñas y Argumedo | 1942–1963 | First Bishop of San Vicente. |
| José Eduardo Álvarez Ramírez, C.M. | 1965–1983 | Oversaw post-Vatican II renewal. |
| José Oscar Barahona Castillo | 1983–2005 | Long-serving ordinary focused on rural ministry. |
| José Luis Escobar Alas | 2005–2008 | Transferred to San Salvador. |
| José Andrés Corredor Romero | 2008–2019 | Emphasized evangelization. |
| José Elías Rauda Gutiérrez, O.F.M. | 2021–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices alongside attention to both traditional moral teachings and community outreach programs.
Statistics
The diocese serves the faithful across its three departments with a network of parishes and missions.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include the Franciscans, who contribute to parish ministry and education.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes distributed throughout its territory.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools at the elementary and secondary levels.
Community Outreach
Programs include social assistance coordinated through local Caritas initiatives.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected during the pontificate of Pope Pius XII to strengthen the Church in central El Salvador.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of San Vicente:
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Diocesan photos
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