Military Ordinariate of Argentina
The Military Ordinariate of Argentina, a military ordinariate of the Latin Rite, is an active ordinariate serving Catholic members of the Argentine Armed Forces and their families. Established in 1959 by Pope John XXIII, it operates under the direct authority of the Holy See and is currently led by Bishop Santiago Olivera since 2017. As part of the Catholic Church in Argentina, the ordinariate provides pastoral care across military installations throughout the country while maintaining full communion with the Ecclesiastical Province of Buenos Aires.
Stored in Cargo: Military Ordinariate of Argentina
| Diocese: Military Ordinariate of Argentina | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Military Ordinariate |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Ecclesiastical Province of Buenos Aires |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Buenos Aires |
| Country: | Argentina |
| Region: | National territory |
| Bishop: | Santiago Olivera |
| Website: | https://www.obispadomilitar.org.ar/ |
| Existence: | 1959– |
| Chancery Address: | Av. Santa Fe 2136, Buenos Aires C1123AAF, Argentina |
Establishment
The Military Ordinariate of Argentina was erected on 8 July 1959 by Pope John XXIII to provide dedicated pastoral ministry to members of the Argentine military. It succeeded earlier military chaplaincy arrangements dating back to the nineteenth century.
History
The ordinariate developed from a long tradition of military chaplains serving Argentine forces since independence. Its canonical erection in 1959 gave it the status of a personal diocese equivalent for military personnel. The see has continued without interruption through subsequent political changes in Argentina.
Geography
The ordinariate covers all military installations and personnel throughout the Argentine Republic, including bases in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and others, as well as naval and air force facilities.
Mother Church
The principal church is the Military Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception located in Buenos Aires, which serves as the ordinariate’s mother church.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Santiago Olivera has served as Ordinary since 2017. A priest of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires prior to his appointment, he oversees pastoral care for military personnel nationwide.
Auxiliary Bishops
None currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ernesto Segura | 1959–1975 | First Ordinary |
| José Miguel Medina | 1975–1982 | |
| José Manuel Lorenzo | 1982–1992 | |
| Antonio Baseotto | 1992–2005 | |
| Mariano Moreno García | 2005–2008 | |
| Santiago Olivera | 2008–2017 | Later appointed to current role after interim period |
| Santiago Olivera | 2017–present | Current Ordinary |
Statistics
The ordinariate serves Catholic military personnel and their dependents across Argentina’s armed forces installations.
Religious Communities
Military chaplains from various dioceses and religious institutes assist the ordinariate on assignment.
Parishes
The ordinariate maintains chaplaincies at major military bases rather than traditional parishes.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The ordinariate supports religious formation programs within military academies and families.
Community Outreach
Pastoral care includes sacramental ministry, retreats, and support for military families.
Notable Events or Figures
- The ordinariate maintains historic ties to the Shrine of Our Lady of Luján, patroness of Argentina.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Military Ordinariate of Argentina:
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Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
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References
External Links
- Official website
- [Military Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception] Cathedral information