Prelature of Lábrea
The Diocese of Prelature of Lábrea, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the Amazonas region of Brazil. Established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, it serves a vast missionary territory with a small but growing Catholic population. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Porto Velho, the prelature focuses on evangelization among indigenous communities and riverine populations. A notable aspect is its role in preserving Amazonian Catholic traditions amid challenging geographic conditions.
Stored in Cargo: Prelature of Lábrea
| Diocese: Prelature of Lábrea | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Territorial Prelature |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Porto Velho |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Porto Velho |
| Country: | Brazil |
| Region: | Amazonas |
| Bishop: | José de Jesús María Gómez y Rodríguez |
| Existence: | 1925– |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | Lábrea, Amazonas, Brazil |
Establishment
The Prelature of Lábrea was established on 10 December 1925 by Pope Pius XI to serve the remote Amazonian territories previously under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Amazonas.
History
Early Years
The prelature began as a missionary outpost focused on indigenous evangelization in the upper Purus River basin.
Modern Era
Boundary adjustments occurred in the mid-20th century to align with civil administrative changes in Amazonas state.
Geography
The prelature covers extensive areas of the Amazon rainforest along the Purus River and its tributaries in Amazonas state. It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Porto Velho.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception in Lábrea serves as the mother church.
Leadership
Current Bishop
José de Jesús María Gómez y Rodríguez has served since 2019.
Auxiliary Bishops
No auxiliary bishops are currently assigned.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| José María de la Cruz y Suárez | 1926–1943 | First prelate; focused on initial missionary foundations. |
| José de Jesús Gómez y Rodríguez | 2019–present | Current prelate. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The prelature maintains a balanced approach (rating: 3.5), with standard liturgical practices adapted to local Amazonian contexts and emphasis on both doctrinal fidelity and community outreach.
Statistics
The prelature serves a dispersed Catholic population across a large Amazonian territory with limited parish infrastructure.
Religious Communities
Salesians
The Salesians have historically supported educational and missionary work in the region.
Parishes
The prelature comprises a small number of parishes serving scattered communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
Limited Catholic schools operate in the main population centers.
Community Outreach
Programs focus on health, education, and support for indigenous groups.
Notable Events or Figures
- Early missionaries established the first permanent Catholic presence in the upper Purus region during the 1920s.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Prelature of Lábrea:
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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 diocesan resources via Archdiocese of Porto Velho]