Holy Mary of the Ancient
Panama City, Panama (16th c.)
In 1520, a town initially named La Guardia was later renamed Santa Maria la Antigua, fulfilling a vow the founders made to the Virgin if they emerged alive from the confrontation with the natives. Chief Cémaco’s house was converted into a chapel in honor of St. Mary the Ancient.
A Christian community of native converts and Spaniards developed there.
On September 9, 1513, Pope Leo X created the first mainland diocese with the bull “Pastoralis Officii Debitum,” transforming the little chapel of St. Mary the Ancient into a cathedral under the Archdiocese of Seville. In 2001 the Vatican confirmed St. Mary the Ancient as patron of the Republic of Panama, setting September 9 as her feast day for the country.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
Download the free "365 Days with Mary" app
Listen to "365 Days with Mary" each week on The Miracle Hunter® on EWTN Radio