Diocese of Zipaquirá
The Diocese of Zipaquirá, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the northeastern part of the department of Cundinamarca in Colombia. Founded on September 1, 1957, by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Héctor Cubillos Peña as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá, the diocese serves a diverse Catholic community in a region known for its colonial heritage and natural beauty, with 43 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 Zipaquirá
| Diocese: Diocese of Zipaquirá | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Bogotá |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Bogotá |
| Country: | Colombia |
| Region: | Cundinamarca |
| Bishop: | Héctor Cubillos Peña |
| Website: | https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 85.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 100 |
| Existence: | 1957– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Bogotá |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Calle 6, 4-30, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca |
Establishment
The Diocese of Zipaquirá was established on September 1, 1957, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in the northeastern part of Cundinamarca, splitting from the Archdiocese of Bogotá.[1]
History
The diocese has a rich history, with its first bishop, Héctor Cubillos Peña, playing a significant role in shaping its early development. The diocese has been part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá since its establishment and has contributed to the region's Catholic heritage through its parishes, schools, and community outreach programs.[2]
Geography
The diocese spans the northeastern part of Cundinamarca, including the municipalities of:
- Zipaquirá
- Cajicá
- Cogua
- Gachancipá
- Nemocón
- Sopó
- Tabio
- Tocaima
It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bogotá.[3]
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Zipaquirá, a beautiful colonial-style structure, serves as the diocese's mother church.[4]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Héctor Cubillos Peña has served as the bishop of Zipaquirá since 2023. A former vicar general, he focuses on pastoral care and community outreach.[5]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Héctor Cubillos Peña | 2023–present | Current Bishop |
| Juan Vicente Córdoba Villota | 2006–2023 | Retired |
| Jorge Enrique Jiménez Carvajal | 1999–2006 | Transferred to Archdiocese of Cartagena |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese leans slightly conservative (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgies, emphasizing social outreach like poverty programs alongside traditional teachings, and led by a bishop with a moderate stance.[6]
Statistics
The diocese covers 4,407 km², serves 1,300,000 registered Catholics across 43 parishes, and has a total population of 1,500,000.[7]
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a school and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: Calle 10, 5-50, Zipaquirá.[8] Jesuitas
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of Zipaquirá (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos Gómez
- Email: vocaciones@diocesisdezipaquira.org
- Phone: (1) 852 1111
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Zipaquirá, covering the northeastern part of Cundinamarca, is a vibrant diocese established in 1957 within the Latin Rite. It serves diverse communities through 43 parishes across 5 deaneries, with a central cathedral and various churches offering spiritual and communal support. The diocese includes a rich cultural heritage, reflecting its strong Catholic roots.[9]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio María Auxiliadora | Zipaquirá | High School | Colegio María Auxiliadora[10] |
Community Outreach
The diocese's community outreach programs provide services to over 10,000 people annually.[11]
Notable Events or Figures
- In 2019, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[12]
- The diocese is home to the Shrine of the Lord of the Stone, a significant pilgrimage site in Colombia.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Zipaquirá:
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Diocesan photos
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Zipaquirá". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dzipa.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Nuestra Historia". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/nuestra-historia/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Nuestro Territorio". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/nuestro-territorio/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Catedral". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/catedral/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Obispo". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/obispo/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Pastoral Social". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/pastoral-social/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Estadísticas". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/estadisticas/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Jesuitas en Colombia". https://www.jesuitas.org.co/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Parroquias". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/parroquias/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Colegio María Auxiliadora". https://colegiomariaauxiliadora.edu.co/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Pastoral Social". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/pastoral-social/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Noticias". https://diocesisdezipaquira.org/noticias/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.