Saint Mary of La Antigua
Stored in Cargo: Saint Mary of La Antigua
| Saint Mary of La Antigua | |
| Feast Day | September 09 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Panama; Panama City; Archdiocese of Panama |
| Birthplace | |
| Death Place | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua, Panama City |
Saint Mary of La Antigua (Spanish: Santa María la Antigua) is the title of the Blessed Virgin Mary venerated as the principal patroness of the Republic of Panama and its capital.[1] The devotion traces its origins to 1510 when the city of Santa María la Antigua del Darién—the first European settlement on the American mainland—was founded by Spanish conquistadors. A small wooden image of the Virgin, brought from Seville, became the focus of popular piety; when the settlement was abandoned in 1524, the statue was transferred to Panama City, where it was enthroned in the cathedral built in 1688–1796.[2]
On 9 September 2019, Pope Francis granted the image canonical coronation and declared Our Lady of La Antigua co-patroness of Panama alongside Saint Mary of Mercy, marking the first equivalent canonization of a Marian title in the Americas.[3] Her feast day is 9 September. The crowned image, dressed in rich vestments, is venerated in the Cathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua in Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Biography
The devotion to Saint Mary of La Antigua has no historical human person as its subject; it is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Origins
The title “La Antigua” (“the Ancient”) derives from the original settlement Santa María la Antigua del Darién (1510–1524). The statue, of Spanish origin, was carried in procession during epidemics and droughts from the 17th century onward.
Development
When Panama City became a diocese in 1513, the Virgin was chosen as patroness. The cathedral, completed in 1796, has always housed the image.
Canonical Coronation
Pope Francis authorized the canonical coronation on 9 September 2019, executed by Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta.
Significant events
- Foundation of Santa María la Antigua del Darién, 1510.
- Transfer of image to Panama City, 1524.
- Canonical coronation and declaration as patroness of Panama, 2019.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: None
Notable location: Primary shrine and cathedral (Cathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua, Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama)
Notable location:
Notable location:
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Canonization
As a Marian title, Saint Mary of La Antigua received equivalent canonization through papal decree on 9 September 2019.
Miracles
No individual miracles required; devotion confirmed by centuries of popular veneration.
Patronage
Saint Mary of La Antigua is principal patroness of the Republic of Panama and the Archdiocese of Panama.
Feast day
September 09
Veneration
Saint Mary of La Antigua is venerated with national celebrations on 9 September, including procession of the crowned image through Casco Viejo.
External links
References
- ↑ "Letter for the Fifth Centenary of the Diocese of Panama". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190909_lettera-santamaria-antigua.html.
- ↑ "Our Lady of La Antigua". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=8888.
- ↑ "Letter of Pope Francis". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190909_lettera-santamaria-antigua.html.