Diocese of Zacatecoluca
The Diocese of Zacatecoluca, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador serving the department of La Paz in El Salvador. Erected on 5 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II, it ministers to a predominantly rural Catholic population through its cathedral and parishes. The diocese continues the evangelization efforts begun in the colonial era within the broader Salvadoran Church.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Zacatecoluca
| Diocese: Diocese of Zacatecoluca | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of San Salvador |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of San Salvador |
| Country: | El Salvador |
| Region: | La Paz |
| Bishop: | José Elías Rauda Gutiérrez |
| Existence: | 1987– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Zacatecoluca was established on 5 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II to serve the growing Catholic population in the department of La Paz, carved from territory previously under the Archdiocese of San Salvador.
History
Early Years
The territory of the modern diocese formed part of the evangelization efforts in colonial El Salvador under Spanish rule, with early parishes dating to the 16th century.
Modern Era
The diocese was formally erected in 1987 amid the reorganization of the Salvadoran Church following the Second Vatican Council and the country's civil conflict.
Geography
The diocese covers the entire department of La Paz in central El Salvador. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Salvador.
Mother Church
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Poor in Zacatecoluca serves as the mother church of the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
José Elías Rauda Gutiérrez, O.F.M., has served as bishop since 2018.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Romeo Tovar Astorga, O.F.M. | 1987–1996 | First Bishop of Zacatecoluca; transferred to San Miguel. |
| José Guadalupe Urbina Aznar | 1996–2000 | Appointed bishop; later transferred. |
| Elías Rauda Orozco, O.F.M. | 2000–2018 | Long-serving ordinary; retired. |
| José Elías Rauda Gutiérrez, O.F.M. | 2018–present | Current Bishop. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices and equal emphasis on traditional moral teachings and community outreach programs.
Statistics
The diocese serves the Catholic faithful of La Paz department.
Religious Communities
Franciscans
The Order of Friars Minor has provided pastoral leadership and ministry in the diocese since its founding.
Parishes
The diocese comprises multiple parishes across La Paz department.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools in the region.
Community Outreach
Local parishes engage in charitable works serving the rural population.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was established during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Zacatecoluca:
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Associated saints
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Religious orders
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Diocesan photos
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