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<!DOCTYPE html><html><head><title>Diocese of Mar del Plata, Argentina</title><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"><meta http-equiv="EXPIRES" content="Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT"><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=Edge"><link href="/css/gcatholic.css?20" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"><link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/boxicons@latest/css/boxicons.min.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"><link rel="canonical" href="https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/mard0.htm"><meta property="og:type" content="article"><meta property="og:site_name" content="GCatholic"><meta property="og:title" content="Diocese of Mar del Plata, Argentina 🇦🇷"><meta property="og:description" content=" The bishop is Bishop Ernesto Giobando, S.J., appointed on 12 December 2024."><meta property="og:image" content="https://gcatholic.org/thumb/46/4UM825QR21G.png?v=2"><meta property="og:image:width" content="400"><meta property="og:image:height" content="400"><meta property="og:url" content="https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/mard0.htm"><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"><meta name="twitter:site" content="@gcatholic"></head><body><div class="hd"><h2>Diocese of</h2><h1>Mar del Plata</h1><h3><a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a> <a href="../country/AR.htm" title="Argentina"><img src="/images/flags/AR2.png" alt="Argentina" width="22" height="14" class="flag"></a></h3></div><div class="tab"><button id="tabinfo" class="tabbutton" onclick="openTab('info')">ℹ️ Info</button><button id="tabbishops" class="tabbutton" onclick="openTab('bishops')">♗ Bishops</button><button id="tabchurches" class="tabbutton" onclick="openTab('churches')">⛪ Churches</button><button id="tabstat" class="tabbutton" onclick="openTab('stat')">📈 Statistics</button></div><div class="tabcontent" id="info"><div id="mapthumb"><a href="../../churches/southamerica/0413.htm" title="Map"><img src="/thumb/46/4UM825QR21G.png"></a></div><div class="entries">Continent: <a href="../dioceses-samerica.htm" class="zcountry">South America</a>Rite: <a href="../rites.htm" class="zrite">Roman</a> (Latin)Type: <a href="../types.htm" class="ztype">Diocese</a> <img src="/images/map/s04.png" alt="Diocese" height="20">Name: Mar del Plata / Maris Platen(sis) (Latin)<div class="separator"></div>Ecclesiastical Province: <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr">La Plata</a>Depends on: <a href="../romancuria/d07.htm" class="zrcuria">Dicastery for Bishops</a><div class="separator"></div>Websites: <a href="http://www.iglesiamdp.org.ar" class="link" title="Web Link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/diocesis.mardelplata" class="linkf" title="Facebook Page" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a></div><div class="separator"></div><h3>Celebrations</h3><div class="ientries">Patron Saint: <a href="../../saints/data/saints-CE.htm#69140" class="prelR">Saint Cecilia</a> (November 22)Cathedral Dedication Anniversary: February 9<a href="../../calendar/2025/AR-es.htm" class="label">Liturgical Calendar</a> (National) <a href="../../calendar/2025/AR-es.htm">📅</a></div><h3><a href="../events/AR.htm">History</a></h3><ul><li>1957.02.11: Established as Diocese of Mar del Plata / Maris Platen(sis) (Latin) (from Metropolitan Archdiocese of <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr">La Plata</a> and Diocese of <a href="bahi0.htm" class="typedioc">Bahía Blanca</a> and became suffragan of <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr">La Plata</a>)</li><li>1980.03.27: Lost territory to establish Diocese of <a href="chas0.htm" class="typedioc">Chascomús</a></li></ul><h3>Contact Info</h3><div class="ientries">Address: Pasaje Catedral 1750 PB, B7600DQB, Mar del Plata, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>Phone: (0223) 4944200</div></div><div class="tabcontent" id="bishops"><h3><a href="../../hierarchy/country/AR.htm">Present Prelates</a></h3><table class="ntb" style="padding:1px 5px"><tr><td class="zoffice" style="text-align:right;padding:3px 10px;" valign="top">Bishop (2024.12.12 – ...):</td><td><a href="#55350" title="Bishop Ernesto Giobando, S.J. (65)"><img src="/images/prelateB1.gif" alt="Bishop Ernesto Giobando, S.J. (65)" width="22" height="20"></a><a href="#55350" class="prelB">Bishop Ernesto Giobando</a>, <a href="../../orders/007.htm" class="zorder" title="Society of Jesus (Jesuits)">S.J.</a> (65)</td></tr></table><h3 id="ordinaries">Ordinaries</h3><div align="center"><table class="tbp" width="90%"><tr class="tbhd"><td>Bishops of Mar del Plata (<a href="../rite-L.htm" class="zrite">Roman Rite</a>)</td></tr><tr id="55350"><td><a href="#55350" title="Bishop Ernesto Giobando, S.J. (65)"><img src="/images/prelateB1.gif" alt="Bishop Ernesto Giobando, S.J. (65)" width="22" height="20"></a>Bishop Ernesto Giobando, <a href="../../orders/007.htm" class="zorder" title="Society of Jesus (Jesuits)">S.J.</a> (65) <a href="/p/55350" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (2024.12.12 – ...)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) <table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1959.12.13 (Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1990.11.17</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">2014.05.03</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t0164.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Appiaria</a> (2014.03.05 – 2024.12.12)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="buen0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Buenos Aires</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2014.03.05 – 2024.12.12)Apostolic Administrator of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2024.01.17 – 2024.12.12)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2024.12.12 – ...)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td><a href="#55350" title="Bishop Ernesto Giobando, S.J. (65)"><img src="/images/prelateB1.gif" alt="Bishop Ernesto Giobando, S.J. (65)" width="22" height="20"></a>Bishop Ernesto Giobando, <a href="../../orders/007.htm" class="zorder" title="Society of Jesus (Jesuits)">S.J.</a> (65) <a href="/p/55350" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (Apostolic Administrator 2024.01.17 – 2024.12.12)</td></tr><tr id="74197"><td><a href="#74197" title="Bishop Gustavo Manuel Larrazábal, C.M.F. (64)"><img src="/images/prelateB3.gif" alt="Bishop Gustavo Manuel Larrazábal, C.M.F. (64)" width="16" height="20"></a>Bishop Gustavo Manuel Larrazábal, <a href="../../orders/018.htm" class="zorder" title="Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians)">C.M.F.</a> (64) <a href="https://x.com/GMLcmf" class="linkz" title="X Feed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="/p/74197" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (2023.12.13 – 2024.01.17 not possessed)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t0361.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Buslacena</a> Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="zjua0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">San Juan de Cuyo</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) <a href="../../hierarchy/mottos.htm" class="motto" title="Motto in Spanish">Adorar, caminar y acompañar</a><table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1961.01.31 (San José, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1996.07.20</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">2022.06.18</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t0361.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Buslacena</a> (2022.03.26 – 2023.12.13)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="zjua0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">San Juan de Cuyo</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2022.03.26 – 2023.12.13)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2023.12.13 – 2024.01.17 not possessed)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t0361.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Buslacena</a> (2024.01.17 – ...)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="zjua0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">San Juan de Cuyo</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2024.01.17 – ...)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="59050"><td><a href="#59050" title="Bishop José María Baliña (66)"><img src="/images/prelateB3.gif" alt="Bishop José María Baliña (66)" width="16" height="20"></a>Bishop José María Baliña (66) <a href="/p/59050" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (2023.11.21 – 2023.12.13 not possessed)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t1898.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Ubaza</a> Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="chas0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese">Chascomús</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) <table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1959.01.08 (Buenos Aires, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1989.11.25</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">2015.02.28</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Priest of <a href="buen0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Buenos Aires</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1989.11.25 – 2015.01.16)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t1766.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Theudalis</a> (2015.01.16 – 2023.11.21)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="buen0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Buenos Aires</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2015.01.16 – 2023.11.21)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2023.11.21 – 2023.12.13 not possessed)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t1898.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Ubaza</a> (2025.02.01 – ...)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="chas0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese">Chascomús</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2025.02.01 – ...)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="61513"><td><a href="lapl0.htm#61513" title="Archbishop Gabriel Antonio Mestre (56)"><img src="/images/prelateA2.gif" alt="Archbishop Gabriel Antonio Mestre (56)" width="22" height="20"></a><a href="lapl0.htm#61513" class="prelB">Bishop Gabriel Antonio Mestre</a> (56) (later Archbishop) <a href="/p/61513" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (2017.07.18 – 2023.07.28)Metropolitan Archbishop emeritus of <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">La Plata</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) <a href="../../hierarchy/mottos.htm" class="motto" title="Motto in Spanish">Cristo es nuestra paz</a><table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1968.09.15 (Mar del Plata, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1997.05.16</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">2017.08.26</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Priest of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1997.05.16 – 2017.07.18)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2017.07.18 – 2023.07.28)Metropolitan Archbishop of <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">La Plata</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2023.07.28 – 2024.05.27)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="5579"><td><a href="#5579" title="Bishop Antonio Marino (82)"><img src="/images/prelateB2.gif" alt="Bishop Antonio Marino (82)" width="22" height="20"></a>Bishop Antonio Marino (82) <a href="/p/5579" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (2011.04.06 – 2017.07.18)Bishop emeritus of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) <a href="../../hierarchy/mottos.htm" class="motto" title="Motto in Latin">Amoris officium</a><table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1942.03.13 (Buenos Aires, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1971.11.12</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">2003.05.31</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Priest of <a href="buen0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Buenos Aires</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1971.11.12 – 2003.04.11)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t0284.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Baza</a> (2003.04.11 – 2011.04.06)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">La Plata</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2003.04.11 – 2011.04.06)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2011.04.06 – 2017.07.18)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="5573"><td><a href="para2.htm#5573" title="Archbishop Juan Alberto Puiggari (75)"><img src="/images/prelateA1.gif" alt="Archbishop Juan Alberto Puiggari (75)" width="22" height="20"></a><a href="para2.htm#5573" class="prelB">Bishop Juan Alberto Puiggari</a> (75) (later Archbishop) <a href="/p/5573" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (2003.06.07 – 2010.11.04)Metropolitan Archbishop of <a href="para2.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Paraná</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) <a href="../../hierarchy/mottos.htm" class="motto" title="Motto in Latin">Instaurare omnia in Christo</a><table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1949.11.21 (Buenos Aires, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1976.11.13</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">1998.05.08</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Priest of <a href="para2.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Paraná</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1976.11.13 – 1998.02.20)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t1893.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Turuzi</a> (1998.02.20 – 2003.06.07)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="para2.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Paraná</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1998.02.20 – 2003.06.07)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2003.06.07 – 2010.11.04)Metropolitan Archbishop of <a href="para2.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Paraná</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2010.11.04 – ...)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="5638"><td><a href="zfed1.htm#5638" title="Archbishop José María Arancedo (84)"><img src="/images/prelateA2.gif" alt="Archbishop José María Arancedo (84)" width="22" height="20"></a><a href="zfed1.htm#5638" class="prelB">Bishop José María Arancedo</a> (84) (later Archbishop) <a href="/p/5638" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (1991.11.19 – 2003.02.13)Metropolitan Archbishop emeritus of <a href="zfed1.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) <a href="../../hierarchy/mottos.htm" class="motto" title="Motto in Latin">Ut omnes unum sint</a><table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1940.10.26 (Buenos Aires, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1967.12.16</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">1988.05.06</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Priest of <a href="loma0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese">Lomas de Zamora</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1967.12.16 – 1988.03.04)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t1555.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Selemselæ</a> (1988.03.04 – 1991.11.19)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="loma0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese">Lomas de Zamora</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1988.03.04 – 1991.11.19)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1991.11.19 – 2003.02.13)Metropolitan Archbishop of <a href="zfed1.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (2003.02.13 – 2018.04.17)Second Vice-President of <a href="../conference/004.htm" class="zconf" title="Conference of Bishops">Episcopal Conference of Argentina</a> (2008 – 2011.11.08)President of <a href="../conference/004.htm" class="zconf" title="Conference of Bishops">Episcopal Conference of Argentina</a> (2011.11.08 – 2017.11.07)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="6944"><td><a href="bahi0.htm#6944" class="prelB">Bishop Rómulo García</a> (later Archbishop) <a href="/p/6944" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (1976.01.19 – 1991.05.31)<a href="../../hierarchy/mottos.htm" class="motto" title="Motto in Latin">Totus tuus</a><table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1927.03.24 (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1950.12.10</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">1975.09.24</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Died:</td><td class="pd2">2005.12.18 († 78)</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t1920.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Uzita</a> (1975.08.09 – 1976.01.19)Auxiliary Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1975.08.09 – 1976.01.19)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1976.01.19 – 1991.05.31)Metropolitan Archbishop of <a href="bahi0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">Bahía Blanca</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1991.05.31 – 2002.06.15)</td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="260"><td><a href="../../hierarchy/data/cardPL6-5.htm#260" class="prelB">Bishop Eduardo Francisco Pironio</a> (later Cardinal, <a href="../../saints/data/saints-E.htm#260" class="zsaint">Blessed</a>) <a href="/p/260" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (1972.04.19 – 1975.09.20)<a href="../../hierarchy/mottos.htm" class="motto" title="Motto in Latin">Christus in vobis spes gloriæ</a><table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1920.12.03 (Nueve de Julio, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1943.12.05</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">1964.05.31</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Created Cardinal:</td><td class="pd2"><a href="../../hierarchy/data/cardPL6-5.htm#260" class="prelC">1976.05.24</a></td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Died:</td><td class="pd2">1998.02.05 (<a href="../country/VA.htm" class="zcountry">Vatican City State</a> † 77)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Beatified:</td><td class="pd2"><a href="../../saints/beati-FR1.htm#B20231216" class="prelR">2023.12.16</a> (Luján, <a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Priest of <a href="merc0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese">Mercedes</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1943.12.05 – 1964.03.24)Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t0451.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Cæciri</a> (1964.03.24 – 1972.04.19)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">La Plata</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1964.03.24 – 1972.04.19)General Secretary of <a href="../conference/305.htm" class="zconf" title="International Meeting of Bishops’ Conferences">Latin American Episcopal Council</a> (1968 – 1972)President of <a href="../conference/305.htm" class="zconf" title="International Meeting of Bishops’ Conferences">Latin American Episcopal Council</a> (1972 – 1975)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1972.04.19 – 1975.09.20)Titular Archbishop of <a href="../former/t1785.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Thiges</a> (1975.09.20 – 1976.05.24)Pro-Prefect of <a href="../romancuria/d10.htm" class="zrcuria" title="Dicastery of the Roman Curia">Sacred Congregation for the Religious and Secular Institutes</a> (1975.09.20 – 1976.05.29)Cardinal-Deacon of <a href="../../churches/cardinal/133.htm" class="zctitle" title="Cardinal Deaconry">Ss. Cosma e Damiano</a> (1976.05.24 – 1987.06.22)Prefect of <a href="../romancuria/d10.htm" class="zrcuria" title="Dicastery of the Roman Curia">Congregation for the Religious and Secular Institutes</a> (1976.05.29 – 1984.04.08)President of <a href="../romancuria/d15.htm" class="zrcuria" title="Dicastery of the Roman Curia">Pontifical Council for the Laity</a> (1984.04.08 – 1996.08.20)President of <a href="../romancuria/d21.htm" class="zrcuria" title="Dicastery of the Roman Curia">Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers</a> (1985.02.16 – 1989.03.01)Cardinal-Priest of <a href="../../churches/cardinal/133.htm" class="zctitle" title="Cardinal Deaconry">Ss. Cosma e Damiano</a> pro hac vice Title (1987.06.22 – 1995.07.11)Cardinal-Bishop of <a href="../../churches/cardinal/006.htm" class="zctitle" title="Cardinal Suburbicarian See">Sabina–Poggio Mirteto</a> (1995.07.11 – 1998.02.05)Cardinal. </td></tr></table></td></tr><tr id="9881"><td>Bishop Enrique Rau <a href="/p/9881" class="linkc" title="Permalink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a> (1957.03.13 – 1971.08.11)<table class="ntb" width="100%"><tr><td align="right" class="pd" width="40%" valign="top"><table class="ntb" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"><tr><td class="pd1">Born:</td><td class="pd2">1899.09.29 (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>)</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Ordained Priest:</td><td class="pd2">1922.12.23</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Consecrated Bishop:</td><td class="pd2">1951.07.01</td></tr><tr><td class="pd1">Died:</td><td class="pd2">1971.08.11 († 71)</td></tr></table></td><td width="60%" valign="top">Titular Bishop of <a href="../former/t1982.htm" class="typet6" title="Titular Episcopal See">Voncaria</a> (1951.03.20 – 1954.10.23)Auxiliary Bishop of <a href="lapl0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese">La Plata</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1951.03.20 – 1954.10.23)Bishop of <a href="resi0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese">Resistencia</a> (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1954.10.23 – 1957.03.13)Bishop of Mar del Plata (<a href="../country/AR.htm" class="zcountry">Argentina</a>) (1957.03.13 – 1971.08.11)</td></tr></table></td></tr></table></div><h3>Former Prelates</h3><ul><li>Auxiliary Bishop:  <a href="cafa0.htm#63500" title="Bishop Dario Rubén Quintana, O.A.R. (54)"><img src="/images/prelateB1.gif" alt="Bishop Dario Rubén Quintana, O.A.R. (54)" width="22" height="20"></a><a href="cafa0.htm#63500" class="prelB">Bishop Dario Rubén Quintana</a>, <a href="../../orders/017.htm" class="zorder" title="Order of Augustinian Recollects (Augustinian Recollects)">O.A.R.</a> (54) (2019.11.05 – 2022.04.21)</li><li>Auxiliary Bishop:  <a href="bahi0.htm#6944" class="prelB">Bishop Rómulo García</a> (later Archbishop) (1975.08.09 – 1976.01.19)</li></ul></div><div class="tabcontent" id="churches"><h3><a href="../../churches/data/all-AR.htm">Special Churches</a></h3><ul><li>Cathedral, Minor Basilica: <a href="../../churches/southamerica/0413.htm" title="Catedral Basílica de los Santos Pedro y Cecilia"><img src="/images/c1ab.gif" alt="Catedral Basílica de los Santos Pedro y Cecilia" width="19" height="20"></a> <a href="../../churches/southamerica/0413.htm" class="chc">Catedral Basílica de los Santos Pedro y Cecilia</a>, Mar del Plata, <a href="../../churches/AR.htm#B" class="zregion">Buenos Aires</a> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Locate on map" onclick="gc.pan(0)"><img src="/images/locate.gif" alt="Locate" width="17" height="20"></a></li></ul><h3><a href="../../churches/local/mard0.htm">Churches by City</a> (50)</h3><div><button id="showcap" onclick="$.showCaptcha('map2rec', sm)">Show Map</button></div><div align="center" width="90%" style="margin-bottom:15px"><a href="bahi0.htm" class="typemetr" title="Metropolitan Archdiocese in Argentina">Bahía Blanca</a> (←), <a href="azul0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese in Argentina">Azul</a> (↖), <a href="chas0.htm" class="typedioc" title="Diocese in Argentina">Chascomús</a> (↑)</div></div><div class="tabcontent" id="stat"><h3>Statistics (2022.12.31)</h3><div class="ientries">Area: 22,850 km²Population: 789,000 Catholics (76.0% of 1,038,325 total)Pastoral Centres: 48 parishes, 133 missionsPersonnel: 67 priests (47 diocesan, 20 religious), 13 deacons, 95 religious (21 brothers, 74 sisters), 10 seminarians</div><table class="ntb"><tr><td width="10%"></td><td width="30%" id="charts"><a id="chart1">Population</a><a id="chart2">Pastoral Centres</a><a id="chart3">Priests</a><a id="chart4">Deacons</a><a id="chart5">Religious</a><a id="chart6">Seminarians</a></td><td width="60%"><div id="chart"></div></td></tr></table></div>Last updated on 2025.02.05© 2025 GCatholic.org<table width="100%"><tr><td align="left" width="50%"></td><td width="50%" valign="bottom"><a href="../country/AR.htm" title="Up"><img src="/images/nav-up.png" alt="Up" width="50" height="30"></a></td></tr></table><script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.3.1/jquery.min.js" defer></script><script src="/menu/captcha.js?3" defer></script><script>function sm(){gc.init([['7xqqIhq1','c1ab','/churches/southamerica/0413.htm','Catedral Basílica de los Santos Pedro y Cecilia Cathedral Basilica of Sts. 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