Chronology of Catholic Dioceses:Notes on Mandeville, AV 1991 and Diocese 1997

The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has, elevated (November 21st 1997) to the rank of diocese, the Vicariate Apostolic of Mandeville (Jamaica), with the same name and territorial configuration, making it suffragan of the Metropolitan Church of Kingston in Jamaica

The Vicariate Apostolic of Mandeville was created with territory taken from the archdiocese of Kingston in Jamaica and from the diocese of Montego Bay on April 15th 1991. It has an area of 3,319 sq km and a population of 504,000. When it was created in 1991 it had 5,000 Catholics, gathered in 10 parishes, looked after by 3 priests, 12 women Religious, one Brother and 7 catechists.

Today, seven years later, there are 7,000 Catholics, looked after by 28 priests (15 diocesan 8 Religious (Passionists) and 5 Fidei donum, assisted by more than 40 women Religious and 33 catechists. There are 4 major seminarians.

Source: Fides, January 9th, 1998

- CT