AMERICA/PANAMA - Days of Reflection on the teachings of John Paul II on marriage and the family on the 25th anniversary of his visit

Panama City (Agenzia Fides) - On March 5, the Church in Panama will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the visit of Servant of God, John Paul II, which took place on March 5, 1983. In commemoration of the event, there will be a celebration of the Eucharist at 6am in Lourdes Parish in Panama City, and a Day of Reflection, organized by the National Committee for Family Pastoral Care, with the theme “The Plan of God for Marriage, Family, and Life.” The retreat will be given by Fr. Rene Cesar Caton, specialist in the teachings of John Paul II on the family. In addition, there will be a blessing ceremony for the monument to Pope John Paul II. The event will be presided by the Archbishop of Panama City, Archbishop Jose Dimas Cedeño, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Jose Domingo Ulloa.
The Day of Reflection on marriage and the family is taking place over the course of the entire week, in the various dioceses. On Sunday, March 2, it was held in the Diocese of Colon; on Monday, March 3, in the Archdiocese of Panama City, in the Archbishop’s Residence; March 4, it will be at the Catholic University Santa Maria La Antigua; March 5, in the Dioceses of Chitre; March 6, in the Diocese of Penonome, and Santiago; and Saturday, March 8, in the Diocese of David. The Day’s purpose is to recall the Message left behind by Servant of God, John Paul II, in the Family Encounter in Panama City, March 5, 1983, where some 40,000 people gathered to hear him say that, “the Christian should say yes to an indissoluble marriage; yes to a responsible life within a legitimate marriage; yes to the protection of life; yes to the stability of the family; yes to the legitimate coexistence that favors communion and a balanced education of children, under a paternal and maternal care that complement each other in the formation of new persons.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 4/3/2008; righe 23, parole 324)