Santarem

Prelature nullius created in 1903, in the ecclesiastical Province of Belem do Pará, with a Catholic population of 200,000. The present bishop is Rt. Rev. Armando Bahlmann, titular Bishop of Argos, b. 8 May, 1862, appointed 10 Jan., 1907 consecrated 19 July, 1908. The residence of the bishop is at Santarem, State of Pará, created a city by law of 24 Oct., 1848. It is beautifully situated on the northern shores of the Tapajos River, and has a population of 28,000. The city is divided into four parishes: Santarem, Alter do Chao, Boim, and Villa Franca. The monastery of the Franciscan friars, who have charge of the missions of the prelature, is located also in Santarem. In this town, the government of the State of Pará supplies the necessary funds for a school of over 200 pupils; there are also 3 colleges for boys, 2 for girls, and 1 for boys and girls.