Diocese of Valledupar
The Diocese of Valledupar, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the entire Cesar Department in Colombia. Founded in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Oscar José Vélez Isaza as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Barranquilla, the diocese serves a growing Catholic community in a region known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, with 34 parishes and 2 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural festivals, which draw thousands of participants annually, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith and tradition in the region.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Valledupar
| Diocese: Diocese of Valledupar | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Barranquilla |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Barranquilla |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Cesar Department |
| Bishop: | Oscar José Vélez Isaza |
| Website: | https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 70.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 50 |
| Existence: | 1950– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Santa Marta |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 15 No. 7-30, Valledupar, Cesar |
Establishment
The Diocese of Valledupar was established on April 26, 1950, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the Cesar Department, splitting from the Archdiocese of Santa Marta.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its first bishop, Vicente Rojas López, playing a significant role in the region's Catholic development. Over the years, the diocese has experienced growth, with the establishment of new parishes, schools, and social programs.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the entire Cesar Department, including the municipalities of Valledupar, Aguachica, and others. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Barranquilla.[3]
Mother Church
The Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción in Valledupar, a beautiful structure built in the 20th century, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Oscar José Vélez Isaza has served as the bishop of Valledupar since 2020. A former vicar general, he focuses on pastoral care and social outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vicente Rojas López | 1952–1975 | First Bishop of Valledupar. |
| José Agustín Valbuena Jáuregui | 1977–2002 | Served for 25 years, focusing on education and healthcare. |
| Luis Adriano Piedrahíta Sandoval | 2002–2014 | Emphasized social justice and community development. |
| Oscar José Vélez Isaza | 2020–present | Current Bishop, prioritizing pastoral care and evangelization. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[6]
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies, emphasizing social teachings, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.[7]
Statistics
The diocese covers 17,300 km², serves 1,200,000 Catholics across 34 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[8]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 15 No. 7-30, Valledupar, Cesar.[9] Jesuitas
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity manage healthcare services, including a hospital. Address: Calle 20 No. 10-50, Valledupar, Cesar.[10] Hermanas de la Caridad
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Valledupar (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@diocesisdevalledupar.org
- Phone: (5) 574 4444
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2023-09-01
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Valledupar, covering the Cesar Department, is a vibrant diocese established in 1950 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 34 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support.[11]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instituto La Inmaculada | Valledupar | High School | Instituto La Inmaculada[12] |
Community Outreach
The diocese's social programs provide services to over 10,000 people annually.[13]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2017, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[14]
- Saint María Bernarda Bütler, a former nun, is revered in the diocese for her charitable work.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Valledupar:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Valledupar". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dvalp.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Historia de la Diócesis". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/historia/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valledupar". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dvalp.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Obispo". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/obispo/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Diocese of Valledupar". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dvalp.html. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Pastoral". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/pastoral/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Hermanas de la Caridad". https://www.hermanasdelacaridad.org/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Instituto La Inmaculada". https://institutolaimmaculada.edu.co/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Pastoral Social". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/pastoral-social/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://diocesisdevalledupar.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2023-09-01.