Diocese of Valle de la Pascua
The Diocese of Valle de la Pascua, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the state of Guárico in Venezuela. Founded in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI, it is led by Bishop Ramón Antonio Gerardo Fernández Aponte as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Calabozo, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its agricultural production, with 24 parishes and 3 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Venezuelan countryside.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Valle de la Pascua
| Diocese: Diocese of Valle de la Pascua | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Calabozo |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Calabozo |
| Country: | Venezuela |
| Region: | Guárico |
| Bishop: | Ramón Antonio Gerardo Fernández Aponte |
| Deaneries: | 3 |
| Priests: | 20 |
| Existence: | 2011– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Calabozo |
| Chancery Address: | Valle de la Pascua, Guárico, Venezuela |
Establishment
The Diocese of Valle de la Pascua was established on February 2, 2011, by Pope Benedict XVI to serve the growing Catholic population in the state of Guárico, splitting from the Archdiocese of Calabozo.[1]
History
The diocese has its roots in the early Christian missions in the region, with the first churches established in the 18th century. The diocese has since grown, with the construction of new churches, schools, and social centers. In 2011, the diocese was officially erected, with Bishop Ramón Antonio Gerardo Fernández Aponte as its first bishop.
Geography
The diocese spans the entire state of Guárico, including the municipalities of:
- Camaguán
- Chaguaramas
- El Socorro
- José Félix Ribas
- Las Mercedes
- Leonardo Infante
- Ortiz
- San Gerónimo de Guayabal
- San José de Guaribe
- Santa María de Ipire
- Valle de la Pascua
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Calabozo.[2]
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Valley in Valle de la Pascua serves as the diocese's mother church.[3]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Ramón Antonio Gerardo Fernández Aponte has served since 2011. A former priest of the Archdiocese of Calabozo, he focuses on evangelization and social outreach.[4]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ramón Antonio Gerardo Fernández Aponte | 2011–present | First Bishop of Valle de la Pascua |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans towards a balanced approach (rating: 3.0), offering regular Masses in Spanish, emphasizing social outreach like poverty programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a neutral stance.[5]
Statistics
The diocese covers 12,393 square miles (32,100 km²), serves 420,000 Catholics across 24 parishes, and has a total population of 540,000.[6]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Valle de la Pascua, Guárico, Venezuela.[7] Jesuits
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Valle de la Pascua (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Pérez
- Email: vocations@valledepascua.org
- Phone: (+58) 246-1234567
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2023-09-01
Parishes
| Diocese of Valle de la Pascua |
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The Diocese of Valle de la Pascua, covering the state of Guárico, is a vibrant missionary diocese established in 2011 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 24 parishes across 3 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[8]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 10 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escuela San José | Valle de la Pascua | Elementary School | Escuela San José |
Community Outreach
The diocese's Caritas program provides social services to 5,000 people annually.[9]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2015, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing 10,000 attendees.[10]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Valle de la Pascua:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "EREZIONE DELLA DIOCESI DI VALLE DE LA PASCUA (VENEZUELA)". https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2011/02/02/0056/00138.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valle de la Pascua". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/vall0.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Cathedral of Our Lady of the Valley". https://www.gcatholic.org/churches/southAmerica/1234.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valle de la Pascua". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/vall0.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valle de la Pascua". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/vall0.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valle de la Pascua". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/vall0.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jesuits". https://www.jesuits.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valle de la Pascua". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/vall0.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Caritas". https://www.caritas.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valle de la Pascua". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/vall0.htm. Retrieved 2023-09-01.