Sneak peek day for restored Cathedral parishioners

The Cathedral Basilica Santa María la Antigua, located in the corregimiento of San Felipe, in the heart of Casco Viejo reopened its doors on Saturday morning, November 24, for parishioners to appreciate the restoration work carried out on the historic structure over two years.

Parishioners line up 

“This temple has been a silent witness to the events that marked Panamanian history, such as the Independence of Spain in 1821 and the Separation of Colombia in 1903. We received the restoration with great emotion,” said Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa

The gates will be open again, in January 2019, when Pope Francis is expected to consecrate  the cathedral as part of the World Youth Day activities

The opening of the cathedral was used by the ecclesiastical authorities to consecrate the new bells.