Serena, LA, Diocese of (DE SERENA, SERENOPOLITANA), embracing Atacama and Coquimbo provinces (Chile), suffragan of Santiago, erected July 1, 1840. The boundaries of the diocese were definitively established on March 26, 1844; on June 5, 1844, the first bishop, Jose Agustin de la Sierra, was installed. Msgr. Jara, fifth bishop, was appointed on August 31, 1909. The diocesan territory exceeds 60,000 sq. miles, with a population (Catholic) of about 250,000. There are 64 secular, 35 regular priests; 30 parishes; 145 churches and chapels. The town of La Serena, with about 20,000 inhabitants, has 20 churches (including an imposing cathedral, erected 1844-60); boasts a seminary with 160 students; affords good educational facilities—notably in technical branches; and supports hospitals, an orphan asylum, lazaretto, and foundling home. Sisters of Mercy, of the Good Shepherd, and of the Congregation of Picpus are active.
P. J. MACAULEY