The Augustinians in Panama

I had an interesting weekend. The Augustinians arrived in Panama in 1966 and, in preparation for

Escorial Monastery

their 50th anniversary, they have a series of assemblies organised - partly to plan and coordinate the celebrations but also as part of an overall reflection on the work they are doing here. I was looking after one of their parishes here for the weekend.

The first Augustinians to arrive here were Spanish and, for many years, Panamanian vocations weren't forthcoming. The Spaniards (some still remain) were all from the Escorial Province (named after the famous monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, part of the royal palace, outside Madrid). As Panama became more and more established as a mission it became what is called a Vicariate which is an administrative area of the Order which is smaller than a Province (numerically) and still depends on its mother Province for support - personnel, expertise, finances, etc.

Gathering of the Vicariate - Carlos de la Cruz 3rd from right front row

The Vicariate is headed up by a Vicar who is the representative of the Provincial here; he is elected by the members of the Vicariate. The current Vicar is a native Panamanian, Fr. Carlos de la Cruz OSA.




While numbers were initially slow to increase, now, however, things have changed. There are over 30

members, currently, in the Vicariate, and almost all of these are Panamanian. There are only 4 Spaniards left here which, in itself, is a testament to the work that the friars have done over the years. It is hard to think that this Vicariate will not be an independent Province in the years to come.

It is very striking for me that the average of the members of the Vicariate (including the Spaniards who are now, largely, quite elderly) is in the early 30s; in the Irish Province the average is 72. This is a very young Vicariate and the future looks very promising.

It's also worth noting that there are two Augustinian bishops here in Panama - one, Jose Ulloa, is the Archbishop of Panama City; the other, Manuel Ochogovia, is the bishop of Colon-Kuna Yala

Jose Ulloa, Archbishop of Panama City

Manuel Ochogavia, Bishop of Colon-Kuna Yala