Diocese of Villa María
The Diocese of Villa María, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese located in the province of Córdoba in Argentina. Established in 1957, it forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Córdoba and ministers to a growing Catholic population in central Argentina. The diocese is currently led by Bishop Samuel Jofré Giraudo.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Villa María
| Diocese: Diocese of Villa María | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Córdoba |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Córdoba |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | Córdoba |
| Bishop: | Samuel Jofré Giraudo |
| Website: | https://www.diocesisvmaria.org.ar |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 25 de Mayo 1050, Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina |
Establishment
The Diocese of Villa María was erected on 12 August 1957 by Pope Pius XII from territory previously belonging to the Archdiocese of Córdoba.
History
The diocese was created to serve the expanding Catholic communities in the southern part of Córdoba province. Its territory has remained stable since foundation, with pastoral focus on rural and urban parishes alike.
Geography
The diocese covers the southern portion of Córdoba province in Argentina, including the following departments:
- General San Martín
- Marcos Juárez
- Unión
- Río Cuarto (partial)
- Río Segundo (partial)
It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of Córdoba.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Villa María serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Samuel Jofré Giraudo has served as bishop since 2013.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alberto Devoto | 1957–1965 | First Bishop of Villa María; transferred to Goya. |
| Alfredo Disandro | 1965–1976 | Second bishop. |
| Miguel Hesayne | 1976–1982 | Later Archbishop of Viedma. |
| José María Arancibia | 1982–1993 | Transferred to Mendoza. |
| Hernán Berg | 1994–2000 | Resigned. |
| Carlos María Franzini | 2000–2008 | Transferred to La Plata. |
| Samuel Jofré Giraudo | 2013–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and equal attention to traditional moral teachings and community outreach.
Statistics
The diocese serves approximately 300,000 Catholics across its territory.
Religious Communities
Religious orders active in the diocese include the Salesians of Don Bosco and various contemplative communities.
Parishes
The diocese comprises numerous parishes organized under several deaneries.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese operates several Catholic schools throughout its territory.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities programs provide social assistance in the region.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese has hosted regional Eucharistic congresses fostering devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Villa María:
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Associated saints
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Diocesan photos
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