Originally a Dominican mission, it became a prelature in 1911. It has a population of 20,000 inhabitants, of whom 15,000 are Catholics. It comprises 2 parishes, with 1 diocesan priest and 4 regular priests, 2 male religious communities, and 1 female religious community. The titular of the prelature is Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Lourdes.
BIBL.: Ann. Pont., 1951, p. 636; O Brasil Católico 1947, Juiz de Fora 1947, p. 487. VIRGINIO BATTREZZATI