Panama City, Panama - April 2023 - The Temple of Mary Help of Christians located in the Don Bosco Technical Institute reopened its doors on Palm Sunday, with the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Edward De La O, SDB, Rector of the Shrine. During the Mass, Fr. De La O, on behalf of the entire Salesian community, thanked the benefactors and parishioners who contributed to the major renovations and maintenance of the Shrine so that the work could continue to function for many more years to serve the community of St. Francis and surrounding areas. The Panama Office of Planning and National Development carried out the project, which included changing the roof, installing insulation, fiber-mineral and PVC ceiling, interior and exterior lighting, and painting. The Temple of Mary Help of Christians was built in 1973; originally conceived as a school chapel, Msgr. José Dimas Cedeño, Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama, consecrated it as the Temple of Mary Help of Christians on December 8, 2004.

Panama City, Panama - January 2023 - Under the motto "St. Francis de Sales, Promoter of the Spirituality of the Laity," the Salesian Cooperators of the Don Bosco Basilica in Panama City organized a conference on Jan. 21 in honor of the Saint of Lovingkindness. The topic was addressed by Fr. Manuel Gómez, SDB, who elaborated on the theme of the Rector Major's Strenna 2023. After the presentation, a forum was held, led by journalist and Don Bosco alumnus Miguel Olivarren, with Salesian Cooperators Delia Rodríguez, Miriam Pimentel, and Agustín Almario as speakers. To close the activity, the Salesian Family groups present at the convention - Salesians of Don Bosco, Salesian Cooperators, Association of Mary Help of Christians, Past Pupils of Don Bosco, and Daughters of the Divine Savior - promised to carry out a social pastoral visit to the "Hogar de la Divina Gracia," with the aim of providing support to young people at social risk who are taken to that Center for Integral Formation. The conference was attended by several groups from the Salesian Family, youth from the Salesian Youth Movement, confirmands and members of the different pastoral groups active in the Basilica of Don Bosco in Panama City.

(ANS - Panama) - The Salesian Cooperators of the Interamerica Region held their III Regional Congress from August 11-14 with the theme "Thought for Living Synodality in the Church." The meeting was held simultaneously in person and online, with the participation of 89 Salesian Cooperators and delegates.

Panama City, Panama - 1962 - In the month dedicated to Mary, we republish an old picture dating back to 1962 which portrays the procession in honor of Mary Help of Christians in the Panamanian town of Paitilla. In the picture it is possible to see the statue of Mary Help of Christians carried in procession, surrounded by the affection of many faithful. 

Panama City, Panama - April 2022 - On Sunday, April 10, the sending-off Mass of the youth of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) participating in the "Holy Week Mission 2022" was celebrated. During the celebration, Fr Carlos Vilanova, SDB, blessed and gave each youth a missionary crucifix. There are 24 members of the SYM who, together with Fr César Lacayo, SDB, and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are carrying out their mission in the communities of Bajo Lepe, Mi pueblito, Boca de Cupe, Yape-puente, and Pirre, in the municipality of El Real, province of Darién.

Panama City, Panama - February 2022 - The "Don Bosco Technical Institute" (ITDB) was one of the exhibitors at the "Expo Máquina 2022", held February 9-11 at the modern Amador Convention Center, located in Panama City. "Expo Máquina 2022" is a trade exhibition of machinery, equipment, products and services from the industrial, marine, mining, and agricultural construction sectors, and is organized annually by the Association of Machinery Distributors. This year the ITDB presented a new "Computerized Numerical Control Laboratory", which allows for more comprehensive training on equipment used in modern industry. In addition, it introduced the "San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center," an educational option that allows companies and universities that have training agreements with the ITDB to train skilled workers with cutting-edge technology, according to business and industrial needs. More than 400 people visited the ITDB booth. Finally, it should be noted that Dr. Víctor Costella Batista, Rector of the new VTC "San Juan Bosco", was part of the group of exhibitors who participated in the cycle of conferences offered at the fair.