Diocese of Uruguaiana
The Diocese of Uruguaiana, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the western region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Erected on 15 August 1910 by Pope Pius X, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Maria and serves a predominantly rural Catholic population. The diocese is currently led by Bishop José Mário Scalon Angonese, who was appointed in 2013. It maintains a focus on pastoral care in border areas near Argentina and Uruguay while preserving traditional devotional practices.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Uruguaiana
| Diocese: Diocese of Uruguaiana | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Santa Maria |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Santa Maria |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Rio Grande do Sul |
| Bishop: | José Mário Scalon Angonese |
| Website: | https://www.diocesedeuruguaiana.org.br |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 12 |
| High Schools: | 3 |
| Deaneries: | 4 |
| Priests: | 45 |
| Existence: | 1910– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 1 |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Chancery Address: | Rua Domingos de Almeida, 1885, Uruguaiana, RS 97500-000, Brazil |
Establishment
The Diocese of Uruguaiana was established on 15 August 1910 by Pope Pius X to serve the growing Catholic communities in the western part of Rio Grande do Sul, previously under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of São Pedro do Rio Grande.
History
The diocese developed through missionary efforts in the early twentieth century, with its territory encompassing border regions that facilitated cross-cultural pastoral work. Key milestones include the construction of its cathedral and the expansion of parishes amid agricultural growth in the region.
Geography
The diocese covers the western portion of Rio Grande do Sul, including municipalities such as Uruguaiana, Itaqui, São Borja, and Alegrete. It lies within the Ecclesiastical Province of Santa Maria.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel in Uruguaiana serves as the mother church, featuring neoclassical architecture completed in the mid-twentieth century.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop José Mário Scalon Angonese has served since 2013. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop in another Brazilian diocese before his appointment to Uruguaiana.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops currently serve in the diocese.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| João Francisco Braga | 1911–1934 | First bishop; transferred to another see. |
| Hermeto José Pinheiro | 1935–1956 | Oversaw expansion of parishes. |
| Luís Victor Sartori | 1957–1977 | Focused on rural evangelization. |
| Ângelo Domingos Salvador | 1978–1991 | Promoted social outreach programs. |
| Pedro Ercílio Simon | 1992–1995 | Later became archbishop. |
| Clemente Isnard | 1996–2001 | Emphasized liturgical formation. |
| Adalberto Paulo da Silva | 2002–2012 | Retired after decade of service. |
| José Mário Scalon Angonese | 2013–present | Current bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 4.2), with regular celebration of traditional devotions, emphasis on doctrinal fidelity in rural parishes, and leadership that prioritizes family and sacramental life over broader social initiatives.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 35,000 square kilometers, serves around 180,000 registered Catholics across 28 parishes, and has a total population of approximately 210,000.
Religious Communities
Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary operate schools and support catechetical programs in several parishes.
Parishes
| Diocese of Uruguaiana |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese organizes its parishes into four deaneries covering the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 15 Catholic schools focused on primary and secondary education in rural and urban settings.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide assistance to families in agricultural communities and border areas.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese hosted regional Eucharistic congresses in the 1990s that strengthened local faith communities.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Uruguaiana:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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