Diocese of Santa Marta
The Diocese of Santa Marta, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Magdalena Department in Colombia. Founded in 1535 by Pope Paul III, it is led by Bishop José Agustín Valbuena Jáuregui as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Barranquilla, the diocese serves a diverse Catholic community in a region known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, with 54 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants in 2019, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Caribbean region of Colombia.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Santa Marta
| Diocese: Diocese of Santa Marta | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Barranquilla |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Barranquilla |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Magdalena Department |
| Bishop: | José Agustín Valbuena Jáuregui |
| Website: | https://diocesissantamarta.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 80 |
| Existence: | 1535– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 14 No. 3-50, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia |
Establishment
The Diocese of Santa Marta was established on July 10, 1535, by Pope Paul III to serve the growing Catholic population in the Magdalena Department, splitting from the Archdiocese of Cartagena. The diocese's founding marked the beginning of a long history of Catholic presence in the region, with the first bishop, Juan Fernando Angulo, playing a key role in the early development of the diocese.
History
The diocese has a rich history, with significant events including the construction of the Santa Marta Cathedral, which began in 1766 and was completed in 1799. The diocese has also been home to several notable bishops, including Bishop José María Peralta, who served from 1881 to 1887 and was known for his efforts to promote education and social justice in the region.
Geography
The diocese spans the entire Magdalena Department, including the cities of Santa Marta, Ciénaga, and Aracataca. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Barranquilla and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to the east.
Mother Church
The Santa Marta Cathedral, located in the city of Santa Marta, serves as the diocese's mother church. The cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and features stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop José Agustín Valbuena Jáuregui has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Santa Marta since 2023. A native of Colombia, he was ordained as a priest in 1994 and has served in various roles within the diocese, including as vicar general and rector of the diocesan seminary.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Fernando Angulo | 1535-1542 | First Bishop of Santa Marta |
| Juan de los Barrios | 1542-1552 | Second Bishop of Santa Marta |
| José María Peralta | 1881-1887 | Promoted education and social justice in the region |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.
Statistics
The diocese covers 14,634 square kilometers, serves 1,200,000 registered Catholics across 54 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000. The diocese includes 12 missions and 20 Catholic schools.
Religious Communities
The diocese is home to several religious communities, including the Jesuits, who operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. The Sisters of Charity also have a presence in the diocese, managing healthcare services and operating a hospital.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Santa Marta (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos García
- Email: vocations@diocesissantamarta.org
- Phone: (5) 421-1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2023
Parishes
| Diocese of Santa Marta |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Santa Marta has 54 parishes, organized into 5 deaneries. The parishes are located throughout the Magdalena Department and serve a diverse Catholic community.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools, including elementary and high schools.
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Santa Marta | Santa Marta | High School | Colegio Santa Marta |
Community Outreach
The diocese operates several community outreach programs, including a food bank and a homeless shelter.
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 5,000 participants.
- The diocese is home to the shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary, a popular pilgrimage site.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Santa Marta:
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Diocesan photos
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