News and Events

Panama, 09/26/2025, Sr. Rosmery Castañeda.-  On Sunday, September 20, the catechists of the Archdiocese of Panama gathered together. Our Archdiocesan Church is organized into six pastoral zones, which bring together vicariates and parishes for administration and pastoral services. Each zone gathered in one of the famous squares of the Old Quarter, filling it with joy and color according to the chosen color of their t-shirt, which turned the Old Quarter into a true “festival.”

Pilgrims of Hope, sent to sow the faith

At the sound of the Shofar, the catechists began to emerge from the corners, filling the central square (Plaza de la Independencia), an iconic and historic place of Panamanian identity. There, the first announcement of the Jubilee was proclaimed, and thousands of catechists responded by singing: “I lift my eyes and look at this land that God gave me to sow it” (…) (Catechist’s Hymn).

Our gaze then turned to the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa María La Antigua (the first cathedral on the mainland). Its doors opened, symbolizing the embrace of the merciful Father, and the bells rang as never before, announcing that we, the catechists, are “the memory of Jesus.” We want to give a renewed response along this synodal journey, fully aware that Christian initiation catechesis is the paradigm of a Synodal Church.

It was a beautiful day, accompanied not only by the parish priests but also by Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, who celebrated the Eucharist. In his homily, he expressed deep appreciation and recognition for the service of catechists. In this Eucharistic Sacrifice, he offered a “thanksgiving to God” and proclaimed in a strong, grateful voice: “You catechists are the missionary pride of our Panamanian Church.”

Later, parish by parish, we shared lunch, strengthening our bonds of fraternity and reaffirming our identity.