images of santa maría la antigua and monument in panama
The image of Santa María la Antigua is the first image of the Virgin Mary placed on the mainland, known as “Tierra Firme,” to differentiate the discovered territories on the American continent from the islands. On September 9, 1513, a chapel presided over by an image of this Marian invocation was erected in the city of Santa María la Antigua of Darién. The image was a copy of a painting in Seville.
The importance of this advocation grew over time, and in 2002, Santa María la Antigua was declared the Patroness of Panama. However, strangely enough, the image had transformed from a painting into a sculpture, and the existing carvings did not resemble the original painting. To commemorate the 500th anniversary, the Archbishop of Panama, Monsignor Ulloa, commissioned a polychrome wooden carving, which a sculptor made from Seville José Antonio Navarro Arteaga and had it solemnly blessed in St. Peter’s Square by Pope Benedict XVI on October 24, 2012. Months later, I was commissioned to create a new image for the Vatican Gardens. This carving, made of Carrara marble by the same sculptor, was installed on October 26, 2013.
During the fifth centenary celebration, the President of the Republic of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, suggested building a monument to Santa María la Antigua in the Bay of Panama. The blessing of the image in the Vatican Gardens provided an opportunity to present a proposal, which initially received very positive reception, though it has not yet been realized.
The monument project is a marvel of architectural innovation. It involves creating an image in glass: a stained-glass window in the shape of the Virgin’s image, illuminated from within and designed to be accessible inside. This unique design allows people to enjoy the wonderful effect of the three-dimensional stained glass and contemplate the landscape of Panama City and its bay. Standing 30-35 meters high, the monument’s colorful stained glass and the allure of the light shining in the darkness of the night will contribute to its significant visual impact. The image’s interior will also be very attractive during the day: it will be fascinating to enter this space full of light and color and enjoy the marvelous view of the Bay of Panama from within.