Beyond the religious ceremony, the celebration of Saint John Bosco once again became a space for community gathering, where faith, tradition, and the neighborhood identity were strongly felt at every step. Panama City – On the third day of a journey to learn about the shrines dedicated to Don Bosco around the world, the focus is on the Don Bosco Basilica in Panama City. On May 31, 1988, the church was dedicated by Archbishop Marcos Gregorio McGrath, and in the same year, Pope John Paul II elevated it to the status of a Minor Basilica, underlining the fervor of the Panamanian people for Don Bosco, recognized as the Father of Youth and a model of spirituality for young people. On April 16, 2016, the casket containing a replica of Don Bosco's body arrived in Panama, holding the relic of the saint's right arm, his blessing arm. 'Leaning on his legacy, we can truly live in Christian Hope.' Today, the Basilica of Don Bosco is not only a center of faith and devotion; it is a vibrant space where ministry, youth, and Salesian Family groups converge, imbued with joy and fraternal love; and through the Oratory, in its various weekday and holiday activities, it offers a safe and healthy recreational environment for children and young people, promoting those values that form good Christians and upright citizens. Additionally, on that occasion, the 'Valdocco of America' project was presented, which envisaged the construction in Panama City of a museum on the saint and a replica of the Becchi house, Don Bosco's childhood home, aimed at bringing young people closer to the life and work of the founder of the Salesians. Salesian Cooperator Daysi Ampudia, who assisted in several important projects, such as the elevation of the Church to a Basilica, comments: 'Don Bosco is Panamanian, he is always present in us and the community can truly see in him not only a saint who performs miracles, but someone who leads us to experience Christ.' With its rich history and its role in Panamanian spiritual life, the Basilica of Don Bosco has consolidated itself as a religious and cultural heritage deeply rooted in the heart of the national population, which is why the people always joyfully repeat this motto: 'Panama is Don Bosco's, Don Bosco is Panama's.' Thousands Walk in Faith in Honor of Saint John Bosco in Calidonia. From early morning, the area around the Don Bosco Minor Basilica began to fill with the faithful who came to give thanks for favors received, fulfill promises, and celebrate the saint known as the friend and educator of youth. Fr Domenico Soldati, SDB, known as the 'Panamanian Don Bosco', was instrumental in spreading devotion to Don Bosco and organizing the construction of a church in his honor. This is a shrine of continental importance, a promoter of devotion to the Father and Teacher of Youth throughout Central America and beyond, which also played a leading role, precisely because of its patron saint and spirituality, in World Youth Day 2019, celebrated by Pope Francis precisely in Panama City. The streets of Calidonia were once again filled with faith and joy this Saturday, January 31, as thousands of devotees participated in the traditional procession in honor of Saint John Bosco. In the heart of Panama City, in the Calidonia neighborhood, is the Don Bosco Basilica, officially the Don Bosco Minor Basilica. Although Fr Soldati died in 1945, the foundation stone of the church was laid in 1949, and in 1951, the first novena in honor of Don Bosco was already being celebrated, marking the beginning of a growing devotion in the country. The religious procession began in the afternoon and traveled through various parts of the area, accompanied by prayers, songs, and displays of devotion. Children, young people, and adults walked alongside the image of the Italian saint, while the atmosphere remained marked by reflection and the emotion of those present. Many wore t-shirts, scarves, and banners with messages of faith and hope. The day's events were part of a program that included masses, special Eucharistic celebrations, and liturgical activities from the morning onward, solidifying this festival as one of the most important on the capital's religious calendar. It was entrusted to the Panamanian people by Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB, today Cardinal and Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesians, and since then the casket has been housed in a special chapel of the basilica, available for the veneration of the faithful. During the aforementioned World Youth Day 2019, the Basilica hosted key events, such as catechesis and the World Forum of Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Leaders. This emblematic Catholic Church entrusted to the Salesian Congregation and under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Panama, is one of the most important in the country, with a history deeply linked to the Salesian mission. In 1907, the Salesians took over the pastoral care of the parish of St Michael the Archangel and in 1910, opened the 'Hospice for Orphans', their first work in the country. Organizers indicated that the procession culminated with the return of the image to the basilica, where final ceremonies were held with the parishioners. Year after year, they join this celebration as part of a deeply rooted tradition in Calidonia. Throughout the procession, the presence of entire families, parish groups, and educational communities linked to the Salesian work was notable. Each of us should really keep in mind all that he taught us: trust in Mary Help of Christians, love for the Eucharist and for the Church.
