Guatemala
Guatemala
Independent republic of Central America. It was discovered in 1524 by Pedro de Alvarado, lieutenant of Cortes, and Christianity was introduced by Spanish missionaries. The See of Santiago de Guatemala was erected by Pope Paul III in 1534 , with Francisco Marroquin as first bishop . After three centuries under Spanish rule Guatemala won its independence with the rest of Central America in 1821 ; and in 1839 was established as a republic. In 1872 -1874 religious orders were expelled, and the Fundamental Law of the Republic (1879 ) forbade the establishment of conventual congregations or monastic associations; much Church property was confiscated, and there is no government aid in any ecclesiastical work. Catholicism is the prevailing religion, but there is equality and religious freedom for all denominations. See also:
World Factbook
Catholic-Hierarchy.Org
patron saints index
Archdioceses , past and present, include
Guatemala
Los Altos Quetzaltenango-Totonicapn
Santiago de Guatemala
Dioceses , past and present, include:
Escuintla
Huehuetenango
Jalapa
Quich
San Marcos
Santa Rosa de Lima
Solol-Chimaltenango
Suchitepquez-Retalhuleu
Verapaz, Cobn
Zacapa y Santo Cristo de Esquipulas
Vicariates Apostolic include:
El Petn
Izabal
New Catholic Dictionary
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Guatemala
SEE CENTRAL AMERICA.