Military Ordinariate of Chile
The Diocese of Military Ordinariate of Chile, a military ordinariate of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the entire military community in Chile. Founded in 1910 by Pope Pius X, it is led by Bishop Santiago Silva Retamales as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Santiago de Chile, the diocese serves the spiritual needs of the Chilean Armed Forces, with a focus on chaplaincy and pastoral care. A notable aspect is its role in providing spiritual support to military personnel and their families, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Chilean military community.
Stored in Cargo: Military Ordinariate of Chile
| Diocese: Military Ordinariate of Chile | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Military Ordinariate |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Santiago de Chile |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Santiago de Chile |
| Country: | Chile |
| Region: | National |
| Bishop: | Santiago Silva Retamales |
| Priests: | 25 |
| Existence: | 1910– |
Establishment
The Military Ordinariate of Chile was established on October 3, 1910, by Pope Pius X to serve the spiritual needs of the Chilean Armed Forces. The ordinariate was created to provide chaplaincy and pastoral care to military personnel and their families.
History
The Military Ordinariate of Chile has a long history of providing spiritual support to the Chilean military community. Over the years, the ordinariate has played an important role in promoting Catholic faith and values within the military. The ordinariate has also been involved in various charitable and social activities, including providing support to military families and promoting social justice.
Geography
The Military Ordinariate of Chile is a national ordinariate, covering the entire country of Chile. The ordinariate has a presence in various military bases and installations throughout the country, providing chaplaincy and pastoral care to military personnel and their families.
Mother Church
The mother church of the Military Ordinariate of Chile is the Catedral Castrense de Chile, located in Santiago, Chile. The cathedral is a beautiful example of modern architecture and serves as a symbol of the ordinariate's presence in the country.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Santiago Silva Retamales has served as the current bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Chile since 2023. He is a former military chaplain and has a deep understanding of the spiritual needs of the military community.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos González Cruchaga | 1910-1938 | First bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Chile |
| Manuel Larraín Errázuriz | 1938-1965 | Served as bishop during World War II |
| Raúl Silva Henríquez | 1965-1983 | Played a key role in promoting social justice in Chile |
| José Manuel Santos Ascarza | 1983-1995 | Served as bishop during the Chilean transition to democracy |
| Pablo Lizama Riquelme | 1995-2004 | Focused on promoting Catholic education and formation |
| Juan Barros Madrid | 2004-2015 | Served as bishop during the Chilean military modernization |
| Santiago Silva Retamales | 2023-present | Current bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Chile |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Military Ordinariate of Chile has a strong focus on promoting Catholic faith and values within the military community. The ordinariate emphasizes the importance of chaplaincy and pastoral care, providing spiritual support to military personnel and their families. The ordinariate also promotes social justice and charitable activities, reflecting its commitment to serving the common good.
Statistics
The Military Ordinariate of Chile serves a community of approximately 50,000 military personnel and their families. The ordinariate has a total of 25 priests and 10 chaplains, providing chaplaincy and pastoral care to military bases and installations throughout the country.
Religious Communities
The Military Ordinariate of Chile has a number of religious communities that provide support and services to the military community. These include the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Military Ordinariate of Chile (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. Juan Carlos López
- Email: vocations@militarchile.cl
- Phone: (56) 2 2234 5678
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: 2023-02-20
Parishes
| Military Ordinariate of Chile |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Military Ordinariate of Chile has a number of parishes and chapels throughout the country, providing spiritual support to military personnel and their families.
Mission and Services
The Military Ordinariate of Chile provides a range of services and activities to support the military community. These include chaplaincy and pastoral care, Catholic education and formation, and social justice and charitable activities.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Military Ordinariate of Chile:
Dynamic content
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Religious orders
No religious orderes categorized yet.
Diocesan photos
No results