CHACO, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of. - In Bolivia: the evangelization of the region was begun in the 16th century by the Carmelites, who in the 17th century were joined by the Jesuits and Franciscans. Only in the 18th century were the Dominicans and Augustinians able to found three Christian communities. From 1732 to 1767 the Jesuits resumed their work, and from 1757 to 1810 the Apostolic Colleges of Propaganda Fide of Tariga and Potosi took over. The apostolate was interrupted by the war of independence of 1809-25. In 1919 the mission stations were incorporated into the apostolic vicariate of C. erected in that same year from part of the territory of the diocese of Tarija.
The vicariate is entrusted to the Friars Minor. It has an area of 120,000 sq. km., with approximately 33,765 inhabitants, of whom 35,000 are Catholics and the remainder infidels. There are 2 rural vicariates, 4 parishes, 9 quasi-parishes, and 20 small Christian communities. There are 7 churches and 11 chapels. Fifteen Franciscans, several lay brothers, and 12 Franciscan Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament of Bertinoro work there. There are 38 catechists, 63 teachers, and 22 baptizers. The Catholic schools number 7 for boys and 8 for girls.
In 1948, with part of the territory of the said apostolic vicariate, the apostolic vicariate of C. PARAGUAY (v.) was erected.