Diocese of Santa Ana

The Diocese of Santa Ana, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in western El Salvador. Erected in 1913 by Pope Pius X, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador and ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population across multiple departments. Bishop Rolando J. Santos, C.M., has led the diocese since 2016, guiding its pastoral and charitable initiatives.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Santa Ana

Diocese: Diocese of Santa Ana
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of San Salvador
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of San Salvador
Country:	El Salvador
Region:	Santa Ana Department; Ahuachapán Department; Sonsonate Department
Bishop:	Rolando J. Santos
Website:	https://www.diocesisdesantaana.org
Catholic %:	85.0%
Elementary Schools:	45
High Schools:	12
Deaneries:	6
Priests:	120
Existence:	1913–
Catholic Hospitals:	3
Rating:	3.8
Chancery Address:	1a Avenida Norte y 1a Calle Poniente, Santa Ana, El Salvador

Establishment

The Diocese of Santa Ana was established on 18 December 1913 by Pope Pius X through the apostolic constitution "Quae Catholico Nomini," carved from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of San Salvador to better serve the growing Catholic communities in western El Salvador.

History

Early Years

The diocese began with limited infrastructure but rapidly expanded its network of parishes and schools under its first bishops, responding to the needs of agricultural communities in the region.

Modern Era

Boundary adjustments occurred in the mid-twentieth century, and the diocese has maintained steady growth despite periods of civil unrest in El Salvador during the 1980s.

Geography

The diocese covers the departments of Santa Ana, Ahuachapán, and Sonsonate in western El Salvador. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Saint Anne in Santa Ana serves as the mother church, featuring neoclassical architecture completed in the early twentieth century.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Rolando J. Santos, C.M., has served as bishop since 2016. A member of the Congregation of the Mission, he previously served in various pastoral roles in El Salvador.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Antonio Adolfo Pérez y Aguilar	1913–1926	First Bishop of Santa Ana.
José Alfonso Belloso y Sánchez	1927–1932	Transferred to San Salvador.
Luis Chávez y González	1932–1938	Later became Archbishop of San Salvador.
Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez	1974–1977	Later became Archbishop of San Salvador; canonized saint.
Marco René Revelo Contreras	1980–1996	Retired.
Fernando Sáenz Lacalle	1996–1997	Transferred to San Salvador.
Romeo Tovar Astorga, O.F.M.	1997–2004	Retired.
Miguel Ángel Morán Aquino	2004–2016	Retired.
Rolando J. Santos, C.M.	2016–present	Current Bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.8), with traditional liturgical practices observed in many parishes, balanced attention to both doctrinal teachings and social outreach programs, and leadership that emphasizes fidelity to Church doctrine.

Statistics

The diocese covers approximately 4,500 square miles (11,655 km²) and serves around 850,000 registered Catholics across 85 parishes.

Religious Communities

Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians)

The Vincentians provide parish ministry and formation programs. Address: Chancery, Santa Ana, El Salvador. Congregation of the Mission

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Santa Ana

Diocese of Santa Ana
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The diocese organizes its parishes into six deaneries covering the western departments of El Salvador.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese operates 45 elementary schools and 12 high schools focused on faith formation and academic excellence.

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities programs in the diocese assist families with food distribution, health services, and emergency aid, serving thousands annually.

Notable Events or Figures

• Saint Oscar Romero served as auxiliary bishop of the diocese from 1974 to 1977 before his appointment as Archbishop of San Salvador.
• The diocese hosted regional Eucharistic congresses in the 1990s that strengthened lay participation.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Santa Ana:

Did you know? The Diocese of Santa Ana was founded in 1913 by Pope Pius X specifically to reach the coffee-growing communities of western El Salvador.

Surprise! Saint Oscar Romero, later martyred and canonized, served as an auxiliary bishop here from 1974 to 1977, learning the needs of rural families.

Here's something cool: The Cathedral of Saint Anne features a historic pipe organ that still accompanies major feasts and draws visitors from across the country.

Wow moment: Local parishes celebrate the feast of Saint Anne each July with traditional processions that blend indigenous customs and Catholic devotion.

Little-known gem: Several Vincentian priests have served the diocese since its founding, continuing the legacy of education and care for the poor.

Fun fact: The diocese includes parishes near the famous Izalco volcano, where Catholics have maintained chapels despite occasional eruptions.

Did you know? Youth groups in Santa Ana organize annual pilgrimages to the cathedral that attract hundreds of confirmation students each year.

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Associated saints

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Religious orders

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Diocesan photos

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External Links

• Official website
• Cathedral of Saint Anne