AGUANIA, ALBANIA DEL CAUCASO

AGUANIA, ALBANIA of the CAUCASUS:

V. ALBANI

AGUAS CALIENTES, DIOCESE of. - In the republic of Mexico (state of Aguas Calientes), suffragan of Guadalajara. The city, whose name derives from the nearby hot mineral springs, was founded by Montoro in 1575.

Erected by Leo XIII on 27 August 1899 by the decree *Apostolicae Sedis*, it comprises the state of Aguas Calientes and part of the states of Jalisco and Zacatecas, with a Catholic population of about 260,000 souls.

The diocese is divided into 21 parishes (four of which are in the episcopal city), with 93 priests of the secular clergy. In addition, the Franciscans, Augustinians, Carmelites, and Dominicans are at work there. There are 135 churches and chapels. Worthy of special mention are the churches of the Señor del Encino and of St. Mark; the former possesses a fine *via crucis* by the local painter Andrés López (late 18th century), the latter a fine canvas of the Adoration of the Magi by José de Alcíbar.