Welcome to the Diocese of Willemstad
What and Where Are We ...
The Diocese of Willemstad comprises the Dutch Caribbean territories of Aruba and The Netherlands Antilles (West Indies). The islands are: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, these ABC islands are on the southern part of the Caribbean and the SSS islands of St. Maartin, St. Eustatius, and Saba are part of the Leeward Islands on the north. On the bigger island of Curaçao, considered the capital of the Netherlands Antilles, is where the Bishop resides and consequently the Seat (Cathedral) of the Diocese. Curacensis was the latin name of the Prefecture Apostolic of Curaçao as it was erected in 1752. It became a Vicariate on 20 September 1842. This Diocese status was granted on 28 April 1958. The Metropolitan is the Archdiocese of Port of Spain (Trinidad).
Visit our papiamentu version: Diosesis Willemstad
Our Vision and Mission ...
"We, who form the (Roman) Catholic Church of Antilles and Aruba, are a community of believers who want to make visible in our world and time, Jesus Christ, Who proclaimed the Good News to the poor, the oppressed and the afflicted, and brought joy and hope to a world that has lost its course. We want to live a life: that is dedicated to the construction of a civilization of love, in justice and solidarity; that is open to the involvement of all peoples within our community to work in mutual cooperation and communion; that allows growth of the knowledge of Christ and his message; and invites us to total conversion; and with the power of the Holy Spirit, makes us worthy to commit ourselves to a life of service, reflected in the FAITH we proclaim and celebrate. May Mother Mary, our intercessor and model, continue to guide us on the road leading us to accomplish our goal".
THE DIOCESE OF WILLEMSTAD, HER FIFTIETH; 1958-2008 
"Six Islands One in Christ"
On the 28th of April 1958, Pope Pius XII elevated the Apostolic Vicariate of Curaçao to a diocese. It was those years; 1957 and 1958, when all the vicariates in the Caribbean became dioceses.
Monsignor Johannes Michael Holterman O.P. wrote in his statement of 28 June 1958: " Our Vicariate has become autonomous. The bishop, as a successor of the Apostles, who continue the task instituted by Christ himself, will do the same to accomplish his work with due authority under the primacy of the Pope of Rome. During those 116 years of existence, the Vicariate has developed in such a manner that it now possesses what is needed and worthy to be elevated as a Diocese".
On a saturday, 18th of October, the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, Monsignor Holterman was installed as the first Bishop of Willemstad. It was noted that Mons. Holterman asked the permission from Rome to take the Church of Pietermaai (Punda) as the new Cathedral church instead of the pro-cathedral Sta. Ana. This Sta. Ana Church (Otrobanda) however, became a Basilica in 1975.
Sunday, 19th of October, Monsignor Holterman celebrated his first Pontifical Mass at the new Catherdral of Pietermaai. On this same date at the Ref Stadium, with the presence of the catholic populace of Curaçao, was celebrated the Consecration of the new Diocese of Willemstad to MARY:"The Immaculate Conception"
Therefore, on the year of Our Lord 2008, the Diocese of Willemstad celebrated her fiftieth.
The Mission:
Last October (16,17&18) 2008 was held the Diocesan Conference in Curacao. It was the next necessary step that must be taken to pursue the "Vision" of unity in Christ among the six-sister islands of the Diocese. After going through the process of inquiry, consultations, pre-conferences and lots of meetings, finally we came up with a working paper for the Conference which would become the final draft of the Diocesan Plan. The document after thorough examination and careful text-editing (so as not to change the essence of what was discussed and agreed upon) came out to be valuable guide all pastors and pastoral cooperators in the parishes. It is our ardent hope and prayer that this paper: "Mission 2008-2011" will be the direction we as a diocese will pursue, with the "Wind" of the Holy Spirit pushing the sails of our effort in the mission of taking care of the least of Christ's brothers and sisters, and doing so we too will become more and more like Him.
On the Feast of Christ the King: The document was presented to all people during the Solemn Celebration of the closing of the Jubilee Year. The paper came out in Papiamentu and in English.
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