Diocese of Santo Tomé

The Diocese of Santo Tomé, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in northeastern Argentina. Established in 1961 by Pope John XXIII, it serves the faithful across parts of Corrientes Province and is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Corrientes. The diocese is currently led by Bishop José Luis Garbi, who was appointed in 2017. It plays a vital role in supporting Catholic life in a region with deep historical ties to early missionary efforts in South America. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Santo Tomé

Diocese: Diocese of Santo Tomé
Status:	Active
Rite:	Latin
Type:	Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:	Province of Corrientes
Metropolitan Archdiocese:	Archdiocese of Corrientes
Country:	Argentina
Region:	Corrientes
Bishop:	José Luis Garbi
Existence:	1961–
Rating:	3.5

Establishment

The Diocese of Santo Tomé was erected on 3 July 1961 by Pope John XXIII to serve the growing Catholic population in the interior of Corrientes Province, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Corrientes.

History

The diocese was created amid post-war population growth and the expansion of the Church in rural Argentina. Its territory has remained stable since foundation, with pastoral focus on agricultural communities and indigenous heritage areas.

Geography

The diocese covers portions of Corrientes Province in northeastern Argentina and forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Corrientes.

Mother Church

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Santo Tomé serves as the mother church of the diocese.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop José Luis Garbi has served as bishop since 2017.

Auxiliary Bishops

No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Francisco María Medina	1961–1980	First Bishop of Santo Tomé.
Raúl Marcelo Pacífico Scozzina	1980–1998	Oversaw pastoral expansion.
Alfonso Delgado Evers	1998–2001	Transferred to another see.
José María Arancedo	2001–2007	Later became Archbishop of Santa Fe.
Hugo Nicolás Barbaro	2008–2016	Focused on rural ministry.
José Luis Garbi	2017–present	Current Bishop.

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and attention to both traditional teachings and local community needs.

Statistics

The diocese serves a predominantly rural population in Corrientes Province.

Religious Communities

Religious communities active in the diocese include various congregations engaged in parish and educational work.

Parishes

The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized under local deaneries.

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports several Catholic schools serving local children.

Community Outreach

Programs include charitable works through diocesan Caritas initiatives.

Notable Events or Figures

• The diocese was founded during the Second Vatican Council era, reflecting the Church's renewed missionary emphasis in Latin America.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Santo Tomé:

Did you know? The Diocese of Santo Tomé was established in 1961 by Pope John XXIII, creating a new spiritual home for Catholics in the heart of Corrientes Province.

Surprise! Its mother church, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, stands as a central gathering place for faith and community events in Santo Tomé.

Here's something cool: The diocese serves rural families across agricultural lands, blending traditional Argentine Catholic customs with local heritage.

Wow moment: Bishop José Luis Garbi has led the diocese since 2017, continuing a legacy of pastoral care begun by its first bishop in 1961.

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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 diocesan resources via Archdiocese of Corrientes]