Terracina
Welcome to the diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about the beautiful diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno, belonging to the ecclesiastical region of Lazio. The diocese has 87 parishes and covers an area of 1,372 km². The city of Latina is the episcopal seat, where the Cathedral of San Marco is located, but throughout the territory there are also three other ancient episcopal cathedrals, now co-cathedrals of the diocese.
Territory
The territory of the diocese is entirely within the province of Latina and predominantly occupies the area of the Agro Pontino and the Monti Lepini for a total of 17 municipalities. It borders with several neighboring dioceses, but it is located in one of the most beautiful places in Italy! There is the sea, the mountains, the natural parks, and many cities and towns rich in history and culture.
Parishes and vicariates
The parishes of the diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno are grouped into 5 Vicariates: the Vicariate of Latina, Terracina, Sezze, Priverno, and Cisterna di Latina. Each vicariate covers a different territory and includes several municipalities. There are 87 parish churches in total, serving the different Catholic communities of the territory.
Diocesan shrines
The diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno is also famous for its diocesan shrines. There are eight of them throughout the territory, attracting many pilgrims and believers. The Holy Crucifix in Bassiano, the Madonna del Soccorso in Cori, the House of Martyrdom of Saint Maria Goretti in Borgo Le Ferriere di Latina, the Most Holy Annunciation in Norma, the Madonna di Mezzagosto in Priverno, Saint Mary of Sorresca in Sabaudia, the Madonna delle Grazie in Sonnino, and the Madonna della Delibera in Terracina.
History
The diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno is the result of the union of three ancient dioceses: Terracina, Priverno, and Sezze. Before the union, these three dioceses had their own history and traditions, which then merged into what we now know as the diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno.
Before the union (4th-12th century)
Terracina, the oldest of the three dioceses, has an ancient history that begins with the foundation of the church by one of the disciples of Christ, Epaphroditus of Philippi, or perhaps by the passage of Paul of Tarsus on the Appian Way. The basilica erected on the tomb of Caesarius of Terracina, whose tradition holds it was the primitive cathedral of the diocese, continued to be an important center of worship for many centuries.
Priverno, on the other hand, left evidence of its presence since the 8th century when the diocese is documented. It is now part of the vicariate of Priverno, which encompasses its territory.
Sezze instead has the first known bishops dating back to the 11th century, documented both by historical sources and archival and archaeological studies. Today Sezze is part of the vicariate of Sezze.
In conclusion, the diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno is a beautiful reality that encompasses a very vast and varied territory, rich in history and culture. The different parishes and Catholic communities that inhabit it are united in faith and in the desire to spread the love of God. We invite you to visit our beautiful shrines and discover the artistic and cultural heritage of our diocese!
