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Metropolitan see Paraíba, Brazil

Archdiocese of Paraíba

Parahyben(sis)

The Archdiocese of Paraiba is the Latin Rite metropolitan see based in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil. Listed as a diocese in the source data, it is in fact an archdiocese and the metropolitan of its own ecclesiastical province, currently led by Archbishop Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz.

On the map

Esri
Paraíba, Brazil, drawn to the town rather than to the door: the register holds no verified address for its cathedral.

Every see on one map: browse the dioceses. Churches with recorded hours: find Mass times.

Established
1892
Catholics
1,085,218
Priests
171
Territory
7,713 km²

Parishes and churches

83 listed churches in our records. Open a parish for Mass times, confession, directions and sources where recorded.

This is our recorded coverage, not an official diocesan parish count. Confirm service times with the parish before travelling.

The bishop

Archbishop
Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz
Born
10 July 1954
Birthplace
Biritinga
Institute
ORDINE FRANCESCANO FRATI MINORI CAPPUCCINI (O.F.M. Cap.)

Explore the ministry of the bishop.

The cathedral

Catedral Basilica Metropolitana Nossa Senhora das Neves stands in Paraíba, the church that holds the cathedra from which this see takes its name.

On what a cathedral is, see the cathedral; every see church on earth is gathered at the cathedrals.

History

A Latin metropolitan archdiocese in southeastern Brazil, Paraíba (Latin: Archidioecesis Parahybensis) takes its name from the former name of the city of João Pessoa. The archiepiscopal see rests in that city, the state capital, at a cathedral that holds the rank of minor basilica: the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows (Catedral Basílica Metropolitana Nossa Senhora das Neves).

This see in the wire

Stories that name this see

The wire's resolver matched this see in the text of each story.

Filed by the see itself

Published on the see's own news feed. A diocese reports on the whole Church, so these are often about somewhere else.

  • Dom Frei Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz writes reflection

    Dom Frei Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz, OFMCap, wrote a reflection on the parable of the workers in the vineyard to describe how God invites people into communion and service. The bishop explained that the vineyard owner actively seeks out those standing idle in the square. He noted that the square represents states of loneliness, discouragement, sin, or a loss of meaning. According to the reflection, God calls people out of these isolated states to participate in the life of the Church and its mission. The reflection also addressed the nature of salvation, stating that eternal life is a gift of grace rather than a reward based on merit or length of service. Pedreira da Cruz noted that while some may feel they have arrived too late, God offers new beginnings to everyone who accepts his invitation.

    Sep 20, 2026 · Catholic Life

  • Arquidiocese da Paraíba promotes reflection on violence against women

    The Archdiocese of Paraíba held a reflection session on preventing violence against women during a meeting of the Agreste Forania on September 19. The event marked a new stage for the "Even if No One Sees" campaign, which is expanding its awareness activities across the various foranias within the Archdiocese. The campaign is a partnership between the Archdiocese of Paraíba and the Court of Justice of Paraíba. Participants discussed how to recognize violent situations and the importance of fostering a culture of respect and human dignity. Auxiliary Bishop Alcivan Tadeus, local priests, and laypeople attended the meeting. The campaign is coordinated by Father Mário Silva and Graziela Queiroga. By visiting these regional meetings, the campaign seeks to bring information directly to pastoral agents, community leaders, and other Church members.

    Sep 20, 2026 · Life & Family

  • Dom Frei Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz writes about forgiveness

    Sep 17, 2026 · Catholic Life

  • Dom Manoel Delson participates in Franciscan Jubilee Year in Assis, Italy

    Sep 17, 2026 · Bishops

  • Pope Leo XIV presides over general audience with Dom Manoel Delson

    Sep 9, 2026 · Vatican

20 stories in the wire either name this see or come from its own feed. Read the wire.