Saintapedia

Suriname

Stored: Suriname

Country: Suriname
Historic: No
Existence: –
Continent: South America
Region: Caribbean
Historical Region:
Area: 163820 km²
Population: 639000
Catholic Population: 135000
Catholic Percentage: 21%
Catholicism Status: Significant minority religion, Christianity dominant
Official Languages: Dutch
Capital: Paramaribo
Catholicism Introduced: 19th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 0
Dioceses: 1
Patron Saints: Saint Peter Claver
Predecessor States:
Successor States:


Suriname is a South American nation in the Caribbean region, spanning approximately 163,820 km² along the Atlantic coast, known for its rainforests and ethnic diversity.[1] With a population of about 639,000, its official language is Dutch, and its economy relies on mining, agriculture, and oil. The Catholic Church, introduced in the 19th century by Jesuit missionaries, is a significant minority religion, with approximately 135,000 Catholics (21% of the population), contributing to cultural life through devotion to Saint Peter Claver.[2] The Church plays a role in education and charity, though it faces challenges from dominant Protestant, Hindu, and Muslim communities and secular trends.

Geography

Suriname covers 163,820 km², bordered by Guyana to the west, Brazil to the south, French Guiana to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north.[3] Its geography includes coastal plains, dense rainforests, and savannas, with a tropical climate. Major cities like Paramaribo, Nieuw Nickerie, and Moengo host Catholic communities, with pilgrimage routes to sites like the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Paramaribo. The Suriname River supports Catholic missions in remote interior regions.

History

Suriname’s history includes indigenous Arawak and Carib cultures, Dutch colonization in the 17th century, independence in 1975, and modern multi-ethnic development.[4] Catholicism arrived in the 19th century with Jesuit missionaries serving European settlers, freed African slaves, and indentured laborers from Asia. The Church grew in a multi-religious society, with the Diocese of Paramaribo established in 1958 as a key milestone.

Demographics

Suriname’s population of approximately 639,000 is 27% Indo-Surinamese, 22% Creole, 15% Maroon, 13% Javanese, 10% Amerindian, and 13% other.[5] About 135,000 (21%) are Catholic, ranking second behind Protestants (23%), with Hindus (22%) and Muslims (14%) also significant.[6] Catholics are prominent among Creoles and Amerindians, with secularism growing in urban areas.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Suriname consists of 1 diocese, the Diocese of Paramaribo, with approximately 25 parishes, guided by the Antilles Episcopal Conference.[7] Bishop Karel Choennie oversees educational and charitable initiatives. The Church operates schools and social programs, maintaining a presence in a multi-religious society.

Structure

The Church has no ecclesiastical provinces, with the Diocese of Paramaribo (Paramaribo, covering all of Suriname) as the sole diocese, directly under the Holy See.[8] Key parishes include St. Peter and Paul Cathedral (Paramaribo) and St. Joseph Church (Nieuw Nickerie).

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 19th century by Jesuit missionaries, serving European settlers, freed African slaves, and indentured laborers from Asia after emancipation in 1863.[9] The Vicariate Apostolic of Dutch Guiana, established in 1817, formalized the Church’s presence, evolving into the Diocese of Paramaribo in 1958.

Key historical events

Significant Catholic events include the establishment of the Vicariate Apostolic of Dutch Guiana in 1817, the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in the 1830s, the creation of the Diocese of Paramaribo in 1958, and the beatification of Blessed Peter Donders in 1982, who served as a missionary in Suriname.[10] The Church supported education and healthcare post-independence in 1975.

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church in Suriname is a significant minority religion, with 21% of the population identifying as Catholic in a diverse religious landscape dominated by Christianity (48%) and Hinduism (22%).[11] The state is constitutionally secular, and the Church has no legal privileges but plays a moral role in education and interfaith dialogue.

Administrative subdivisions

Suriname is divided into 10 first-level administrative subdivisions called Districts of Suriname, for governance and regional organization.[12] These districts are: Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica. The Diocese of Paramaribo covers all districts, supporting Catholic activities.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Surinamese Catholics celebrate Saint Peter Claver on September 9 with Masses and processions, particularly at the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral.[13] Christmas and Easter incorporate Creole and Amerindian elements, reflecting Suriname’s diversity.

Education and charity

The Church operates over 15 schools, including St. Elizabeth School in Paramaribo, and supports charities like Caritas Suriname.[14] These efforts focus on education and aid for Amerindian and Maroon communities.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is modest in Suriname, with the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Paramaribo, built in 1885, showcasing wooden Gothic-style architecture and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[15] Religious art, including statues of Saint Peter Claver, adorns parish churches.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Paramaribo is a key pilgrimage site, especially during September 9 celebrations for Saint Peter Claver.[16] The Our Lady of Fatima Church in Albina draws devotees in the Marowijne district.

Historical churches

The St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, completed in 1885, is a national landmark hosting major liturgies.[17] The St. Alphonsus Church in Nieuw Nickerie, built in 1903, serves as a historic Catholic site.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint Peter Claver, celebrated on September 9, is Suriname’s patron, venerated for his work with enslaved Africans.[18]

Associated saints and blesseds

Blessed Peter Donders, beatified in 1982, is the primary figure associated with Suriname, known for his 19th-century missionary work among lepers and indigenous peoples in Batavia.[19] No canonized saints are directly tied to Suriname.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces challenges from secularism and competition from Protestant (23%), Hindu (22%), and Muslim (14%) communities, with Catholic affiliation at 21%.[20] Limited clergy and resources hinder outreach, though the Church responds with interfaith initiatives and community programs.[21]

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through education, healthcare, and advocacy for Amerindian and Maroon rights.[22] It fosters interfaith harmony in Suriname’s diverse society and influences policy on poverty and education, particularly in rural areas.

References

  1. ↑ "Suriname". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/suriname/. 
  2. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  3. ↑ "Suriname". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/suriname/. 
  4. ↑ "Suriname". Encyclopedia.com. 2024-10-15. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/latin-america-and-caribbean/surinamese-political-geography/suriname. 
  5. ↑ "Suriname". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/suriname/. 
  6. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  7. ↑ "Catholic Church in Suriname". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/SR.htm. 
  8. ↑ "Catholic Church in Suriname". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/SR.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Catholic Church in Suriname". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/sr.html. 
  10. ↑ "Blessed Peter Donders". Vatican News. 1982-05-23. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19820523_peter-donders_en.html. 
  11. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  12. ↑ "Suriname". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/suriname/. 
  13. ↑ "Surinamese Catholic Traditions". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/suriname. 
  14. ↑ "Caritas Suriname". Caritas Internationalis. 2023-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/suriname/. 
  15. ↑ "St. Peter and Paul Cathedral". Wikipedia. 2024-08-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter_and_Paul_Cathedral,_Paramaribo. 
  16. ↑ "St. Peter and Paul Cathedral". Catholics & Cultures. 2020-06-15. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/suriname/cathedral-paramaribo. 
  17. ↑ "St. Peter and Paul Cathedral". Wikipedia. 2024-08-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter_and_Paul_Cathedral,_Paramaribo. 
  18. ↑ "Patron Saints of Suriname". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2024-09-10. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/sr.html. 
  19. ↑ "Blessed Peter Donders". Vatican News. 1982-05-23. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19820523_peter-donders_en.html. 
  20. ↑ "Religion in Latin America". Pew Research Center. 2014-11-13. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/11/13/religion-in-latin-america/. 
  21. ↑ "Suriname Church Challenges". Catholic News Agency. 2023-07-12. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/suriname-church-outreach. 
  22. ↑ "Caritas Suriname". Caritas Internationalis. 2023-03-10. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/latin-america/suriname/. 

External links

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