Located in Oaxaca Mexico along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the diocese has many beautiful beaches – including the third best surfing beach in the world. As you go inland, the mountains quickly arise. The diocese takes in the entire coast of the state of Oaxaca, a total of over 5405 square miles and a population of almost a half million inhabitants.
Background on the Diocese of Puerto Escondido
His Holiness John Paul II erected the diocese of Puerto Escondido on January 7, 2004 and named Eduardo Carmona Ortega its first bishop. On January 30, 2013, Pedro Vazquez Villalobos was ordained and installed as its second bishop.
The population consists of indigenous peoples (40%) and people of mixed race (45%). Around 15% of the people are of African descent. They live on the coast and in the coastal mountains.
It is a region marked by poverty and lack of development, both economic and educational. However, the people possess rich ancient cultural and human values. They have a strong innate religiosity that is in much need of evangelization and formation.
It consists of 29 very large parishes organized into 6 deaneries. There are 35 diocesan and religious order priest and 51 women religious. There are men who are in formation for the ordained priesthood.
The diocese has a Pastoral Plan organized by 14 diocesan commissions each with its own program. Each parish has also been highly encouraged to create its own pastoral plan which most have done. Each deanery also has its own school of formation for pastoral workers, with its own teachers, students, calendars, etc. The diocese is moving toward a location for a Diocesan Pastoral Center that will serve people and offer courses and workshops.