On the occasion of the recent consecration of Panama to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the faithful in that country “to always remain faithful to the truth and the love of God, manifested in his Son Jesus Christ.”

In a statement issued by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Holy Father invited Panama’s bishops, priests, religious and laity to increase their “union with Christ, through daily prayer, the sacraments and responsible testimony of the faith in the ecclesial community and in your own environment, thus contributing to the building of a more just and fraternal society, steeped with authentic Christian values.”

The Pontiff concluded his message invoking the maternal protection of Mary and imparting his Apostolic Blessing to all Panamanians.

On January 11, various church leaders led the “National Consecration of the Republic of Panama to the Sacred Heart of Jesus” at the La Salle School gymnasium in Panama City.