In the heart of Panama City, in the Calidonia neighbourhood, is the Don Bosco Basilica, officially the Don Bosco Minor Basilica. 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. Fr Domenico Soldati, SDB, known as the ‘Panamanian Don Bosco’, was instrumental in spreading devotion to Don Bosco and organising the construction of a church in his honour. Although Fr Soldati died in 1945, the foundation stone of the church was laid in 1949 and, in 1951, the first novena in honour of Don Bosco was already being celebrated, marking the beginning of a growing devotion in the country.
On 31 May 1988, the church was dedicated by Archbishop Marcos Gregorio McGrath and, in the same year, Pope John Paul II elevated it to a Minor Basilica, underlining the fervour the Panamanian people have for Don Bosco, recognised as the Father of Youth and a model of spirituality for young people.
On 16 April 2016, the casket containing a replica of Don Bosco's body arrived in Panama, containing the relic of the saint's right arm, his blessing arm. 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. In addition, the ‘Valdocco of America’ project was presented on that occasion, 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 really see in him not only a saint who performs miracles, but someone who leads us to experience Christ. 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. Leaning on her legacy we can truly live in Christian Hope’.
Today, the Basilica of Don Bosco is not only a centre 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 efforts, it offers a safe and healthy recreational environment for children and young people, promoting those values that form good Christians and upright citizens.
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’.
Basilica of Don Bosco – Communication Ministry