Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro
The Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the Colombian departments of Antioquia and Caldas in Colombia. Founded in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Fidel León Cadavid Marín as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Medellín, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its coffee production and cultural heritage, with 62 parishes and 14 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 region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro
| Diocese: Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Medellín |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Medellín |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Antioquia and Caldas |
| Bishop: | Fidel León Cadavid Marín |
| Website: | https://diocesissonsornegro.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 80.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 7 |
| Priests: | 120 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | [[Diocese of Medellín]] |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 12 # 12-12, Rionegro, Antioquia |
Establishment
The Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro was established on November 18, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the departments of Antioquia and Caldas, splitting from the Diocese of Medellín.[1]
History
The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region, with the first parishes established in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church played a significant role in the social and cultural development of the area. In 1957, the diocese was formally established, and its first bishop, Alonso Arteaga Yepes, was appointed. Since then, the diocese has continued to grow, with a focus on evangelization, education, and social outreach.
Geography
The diocese spans the departments of Antioquia and Caldas, including the cities of Sonsón and Rionegro. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Medellín.[2]
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá in Sonsón, a beautiful example of colonial architecture, serves as the diocese's mother church.[3]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Fidel León Cadavid Marín has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro since 2015. A former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Medellín, he focuses on evangelization and social outreach.[4]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alonso Arteaga Yepes | 1959–1985 | First Bishop of Sonsón-Rionegro. |
| Flavio Calle Zapata | 1985–1993 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Ibagué. |
| Juan Francisco Sarasti Jaramillo | 1993–2002 | Retired. |
| Ricardo Antonio Tobón Restrepo | 2003–2010 | Transferred to Diocese of Cartago. |
| Fidel León Cadavid Marín | 2011–present | Current Bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[5]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies and emphasizing social outreach alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.[6]
Statistics
The diocese covers 7,300 square kilometers, serves 1.2 million registered Catholics across 62 parishes, and has a total population of 1.5 million.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 12 # 12-12, Rionegro, Antioquia.[8] Jesuitas Colombia
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital in Sonsón. Address: Carrera 10 # 10-10, Sonsón, Antioquia.[9] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@diocesissonsornegro.org
- Phone: (4) 832 1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: September 1, 2023
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro, covering the departments of Antioquia and Caldas, is a vibrant diocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 62 parishes across 7 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The diocese includes a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, reflecting its rich Catholic heritage.[10]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instituto San José | Sonsón | High School | Instituto San José[11] |
Community Outreach
The diocese's Caritas program provides social services to over 10,000 people annually.[12]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 participants.[13]
- The diocese is home to the shrine of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá, a major pilgrimage site in Colombia.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsors.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Conferencia Episcopal de Colombia". https://www.conferenciaepiscopal.co/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro". https://www.diocesissonsornegro.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Bishop Fidel León Cadavid Marín". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcadav.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsors.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro". https://www.diocesissonsornegro.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsors.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jesuitas Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.diocesissonsornegro.org/parroquias. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Instituto San José". https://www.institutosanjose.edu.co/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Caritas Colombia". https://www.caritas.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Sonsón-Rionegro News". https://www.diocesissonsornegro.org/noticias. Retrieved 2023-09-01.