Diocese of Três Lagoas
The Diocese of Três Lagoas, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. Established in 1978, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Campo Grande and serves a Catholic population across multiple municipalities in the eastern region of the state. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Luiz Gonçalves Knupp, who has guided its pastoral activities since his appointment. It plays a significant role in fostering faith, education, and social services within a predominantly rural and developing area of central-western Brazil.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Três Lagoas
| Diocese: Diocese of Três Lagoas | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Campo Grande |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Campo Grande |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Mato Grosso do Sul |
| Bishop: | Luiz Gonçalves Knupp |
| Website: | https://diocesedetreslagoas.org.br/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1978– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Campo Grande |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua 15 de Novembro, 1450
Três Lagoas, MS 79600-000 Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Três Lagoas was established on 3 January 1978 by Pope Paul VI through the papal bull "Cum ad spirituale", carved from territory previously belonging to the Diocese of Campo Grande to better serve the growing Catholic communities in the region.
History
The diocese was created amid rapid population growth and economic development in eastern Mato Grosso do Sul during the late 20th century. Its early years focused on organizing parishes and establishing basic pastoral structures in a frontier-like setting. Over subsequent decades, the diocese expanded its educational and charitable works while maintaining close ties to the metropolitan see in Campo Grande.
Geography
The diocese covers the eastern portion of Mato Grosso do Sul, including the following municipalities:
- Três Lagoas
- Água Clara
- Brasilândia
- Selvíria
- Aparecida do Taboado
- Cassilândia
- Chapadão do Sul
- Costa Rica
- Figueirão
- Inocência
- Paranaíba
- Santa Rita do Pardo
- São Gabriel do Oeste
It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Campo Grande.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of São José in Três Lagoas serves as the mother church of the diocese. Constructed in the mid-20th century, the cathedral features a modern architectural style and functions as the central site for major diocesan liturgies and events.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Luiz Gonçalves Knupp has served as bishop since 2019. A native of the region, he previously served as a parish priest and seminary formator before his episcopal appointment.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antônio Maria Mucciolo | 1978–1989 | First bishop; later transferred to the Archdiocese of Ribeirão Preto. |
| Izidoro Kosinski | 1989–1992 | Transferred to the Diocese of Paranavaí. |
| Antônio do Carmo Cheuiche | 1992–1999 | Retired after serving as auxiliary bishop elsewhere prior to appointment. |
| José de Lemos Freitas | 1999–2009 | Focused on pastoral renewal; retired. |
| Roberto Ferreria Paz | 2009–2018 | Emphasized social outreach; transferred to the Diocese of Campos. |
| Luiz Gonçalves Knupp | 2019–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices including occasional celebrations of the Traditional Latin Mass alongside the ordinary form of the Roman Rite. Emphasis is placed equally on traditional moral teachings and community outreach programs addressing local social needs such as education and family support. Leadership under the current bishop prioritizes doctrinal fidelity while engaging constructively with regional challenges.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 45,000 square kilometers and serves around 250,000 registered Catholics across 28 parishes.
Religious Communities
Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians operate schools and youth ministry programs throughout the diocese. Address: Rua João Pedro Moreira, 450, Três Lagoas, MS.
Parishes
| Diocese of Três Lagoas |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into four deaneries covering the listed municipalities, with a focus on rural evangelization and family-centered ministry.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 15 Catholic schools providing elementary and secondary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs in the diocese support food assistance, health initiatives, and vocational training for families in need.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese hosted its first Eucharistic Congress in 2005, drawing thousands of faithful from across Mato Grosso do Sul.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Três Lagoas:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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