Regional CNBB Leste 2.Map of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mariana.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mariana (Latin: Archidioecesis Marianensis, Portuguese: Arquidiocese de Mariana) is an archdiocese based in the city of Mariana in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.[1]
In 1748, after being released from prison, formerly enslaved prostitute Rosa Egipcíaca began to preach to crowds about her religious visions. In 1749, she was accused of witchcraft by the Bishop of Mariana and whipped as a punishment.[3] This punishment paralysed the right side of her body for the rest of her life.[4] She became the first black woman in Brazil to write a book, entitled Sagrada Teologia do Amor Divino das Almas Peregrinas.[5]
On 1 May 1906, it was promoted to Metropolitan Archdiocese of Mariana.[citation needed] By 2013 there was one priest for every 5,482 Catholics.[citation needed]
The Archdiocese of Mariana is divided into 5 Pastoral Regions to give more dynamism in the Evangelization in the communities and parishes that are present in the Archdiocese.
Antônio Augusto de Assis (1918-1931) (appointed Archbishop (personal title) when appointed Auxiliary Bishop here); appointed Archbishop (personal title) of Jaboticabal, São Paulo
Antônio Ferreira Viçoso (1787–1875), Bishop of Mariana for 29 years: he was then a loving father to the poor and orphans, protector of slaves, selfless missionary, reformer of the clergy, defender of the rights of the Church, and an exemplary devotee of the Virgin Mary. During his time as Bishop of Mariana, he invited his confreres the Priests of the Congregation of Mission to take the responsibility to form the clergy in the Seminary of Mariana. Bishop Viçoso also invited the Sisters of Charity to open a boarding School for Girls in Mariana.
Francisco de Paula Victor. (12 April 1827 – 23 September 1905) was an Afro-Brazilian Catholic priest. He is known in Brazil as the "Apostle of Charity" for his charitable treatment of the poor. He is the first black Brazilian national to be beatified in the Catholic Church and the first slave-turned-priest to be considered for canonization. He was beatified on 14 November 2015 in Brazil; Cardinal Angelo Amato presided over the Mass on behalf of Pope Francis, who approved his beatification the previous June.
Isabel Cristina (1962–1982), a young woman who wanted to be a pediatrician to take care of poor children. She was brutally murdered in her apartment for resisting a sexual attacker. She is the first blessed of the Archdiocese.
Luciano Pedro Mendes de Almeida (1930–2006), Bishop of Mariana from 1988-2006. He exercised, in an edifying way his episcopal ministry from 1988 until his death.
^Leite was presented by the King on 13 May 1818, approved by Pope Pius VII on 9 September 1819, and consecrated on 9 April 1820. Gams, p. 136.
^Cypriano de São José was born in Lisbon. He was a lecturer in philosophy and theology in houses of his Order, and became a Conciniator in the Royal Chapel of the Palace of Bemposta. He became a Master of Theology (1795). He was Visitor General of his Order in the Province of San Antonio on three occasions. He was presented as Bishop of Mariana by the Queen, and approved by Pope Pius VI on 24 July 1797. Ritzler, VI, p. 27 with note 6.
^Figuera was born in Lisbon, and became Doctor in utroque iure at the University of Coimbra. He served as judge in the Apostolic Nunciature in Portugal. He was presented to the bishopric by the King on 21 March 1771, and approved by Pope Clement XIV on 17 June 1771. He was promoted to the Archdiocese of Bahia on 8 March 1773. Ritzler, VI, p. 27 with note 3.
^Nogueira was Master of Theology (1726), and was named Abbot of Coimbra. He was Definitor and Master of Novices at the monastery of Santa Maria Alcobacensis. He then became bishop of São Luís de Maranhão (1738-1745). He was presented to the bishopric of Mariana by the King on 1 September 1745, and approved by Pope Benedict XIV on 15 December 1745. Ritzler, VI, p. 268 and p. 276 with note 2.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Mariana". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.