Titular See of Sufar

Stored: Titular See of Sufar

Diocese: Titular See of Sufar
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Country:	Algeria
Region:	Mauretania Caesariensis
Bishop:	Robert Philip Reed
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The Titular See of Sufar (Latin: Sufaritanus) is a titular see of the Catholic Church, historically associated with the ancient Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis in what is now Algeria. Established as a titular episcopal see in 1933, it represents a former diocese that no longer functions due to historical circumstances, such as the decline of Christianity in the region following Muslim conquests. The current titular bishop, Robert Philip Reed, has held the title since June 3, 2016. The see has no registered Catholics, parishes, or active administration, as it exists solely as an honorary title for bishops serving in other capacities, such as auxiliary bishops or curial officials.

Establishment

The Titular See of Sufar was established as a titular episcopal see in 1933, as recorded in the Annuario Pontificio of 1936. It derives from an ancient diocese in Mauretania Caesariensis, a Roman province in North Africa, though the exact location of Sufar is lost to history. The original diocese likely flourished in late antiquity after the First Council of Nicaea (325 CE) but ceased to function following the Muslim conquests of the 7th century. The see was restored as a titular title to preserve its apostolic succession for non-diocesan bishops.

History

Ancient Diocese (Pre-7th Century)

The Diocese of Sufar was an episcopal seat in Mauretania Caesariensis, a region encompassing parts of modern Algeria. Christianity arrived later in this area compared to other parts of Roman North Africa, avoiding early theological controversies. Ancient sources mention only two bishops of Sufar, both in 484 CE, leading scholars like Mesnage to hypothesize the existence of two towns named Sufar or to suggest that "Sufaritanus" may be a contraction of "Sufasaritanus," linking one bishop to the nearby Titular See of Sufasar. The diocese likely declined after the Muslim conquests, which disrupted Christian communities in North Africa.

Titular See (1933–Present)

Revived as a titular see in 1933, Sufar has been assigned to bishops serving in roles such as auxiliary bishops or apostolic administrators. Notable holders include Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. (2014–2015), who later became bishop of Diocese of Chiclayo and Pope Leo XIV, and Robert Philip Reed (2016–present), auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Boston. The see’s titular status symbolizes the Catholic Church’s continuity with its historical dioceses, even in regions where Christianity no longer thrives.

Geography

The historical Diocese of Sufar was located in Mauretania Caesariensis, a Roman province in what is now Algeria. The exact location of Sufar is unknown, as no archaeological or documentary evidence pinpoints its site. The region encompassed coastal and inland areas west of Carthage, characterized by Roman urban centers and rural communities. As a titular see, Sufar has no modern geographic jurisdiction or administrative subdivisions.

Mother Church

The Titular See of Sufar has no active mother church, as it is not a functioning diocese. Historically, the diocese would have had a cathedral in the ancient city of Sufar, but its location and any associated structures are lost to history. No modern cathedral or church is associated with the titular see.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Robert Philip Reed has served as titular bishop of Sufar since June 3, 2016. An auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, he oversees 64 parishes, serves as pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Wayland, Massachusetts, and is CEO of iCatholic Media, promoting Catholic evangelization through media.

Past Bishops

Name	Tenure	Notes
Patrick Joseph Casey †	1965–1969	Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster; appointed Bishop of Brentwood.
Carlos Stanislaus Schmitt, O.F.M. †	1970–1971	Auxiliary Bishop of Ruy Barbosa; resigned.
Ernst Gutting †	1971–2013	Auxiliary Bishop of Freiburg im Breisgau; died in office.
Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A.	2014–2015	Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo; appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, later Pope Leo XIV.

Statistics

As a titular see, Sufar has no active jurisdiction, registered Catholics, parishes, missions, or schools. Historically, it served an unknown Catholic population in Mauretania Caesariensis until the 7th century. Its modern role is purely titular, with no administrative or pastoral functions.

External Links

• Titular See of Sufar – Catholic-Hierarchy
• Titular Episcopal See of Sufar, Algeria – GCatholic.org
• [No cathedral or outreach programs associated with titular see]