AGUAS CALIENTES, DIOCESE of. - In the republic of Mexico (state of Aguas Calientes), suffragan to Guadalajara. The city, whose name derives from the nearby thermal-mineral springs, was founded by Montoro in 1575.
Erected by Leo XIII on 27 Aug. 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 approximately 260,000 souls.
The diocese is divided into 21 parishes (four of which are situated in the episcopal city), with 93 secular clergy priests. The Franciscans, Augustinians, Carmelites, and Dominicans also work there. There are 135 churches and chapels. Especially worthy of mention are the churches of Señor del Encino and S. Marcos: the former possesses a fine via crucis by the local painter Andrés Lopez (late 18th century); the latter, a beautiful canvas of the Adoration of the Magi by José de Alcibar.