September is the Month of Sacred Texts in Panama.
Some Christians call it the Month of the Bible, and some others call it the Month of the Holy Scriptures. I prefer the official inclusive term -Month of Sacred Texts which also includes extra – biblical texts that are also sacred.The authorities did not limit the observation solely to Christians. As a national observance, it includes all the religious communities in Panama. Christianity is the national religion of Panama, and the Roman Catholic Church is the national church.
The latest statistics show that 85% of Panamanians are Roman Catholic and the remaining 15% are Protestants. However, there is no accounting for the numbers of Muslims, the Buddhists, Bahia, Hindu, Jews and Yoruba communities that are present in this country. There seems to be some kind of recognition of their existence this time.
One highlight of the month takes place on, Friday September 15th,2007 when religious leaders and followers in Colon will stage a parade. They will be marching through the main streets with banners, to the sound of trumpets and harp. Ok, ok..no there wont be any harps or lyres. But there will be trumpets, drums, clashing cymbals and resounding cymbals. Striving after Psalm 150 – there will be one joyful noise in Colon city that day. Throw in a xylophone or two. What a blast!
The march is supposed to be a sign of fellowship among Colon’s religious communities. Since you paused at the ‘supposed to be’, let me explain. I firmly believe that this is another of those ‘token’ moments. No single day of marching is going to change the rabid individualistic and ego-centric sectarianism that exists in Colon and Panama. Everybody and her cat is starting a new ‘church’ or group at the drop of a hat and especially resulting from disagreements.
Unfortunately, I will have to miss the parade because of a previous engagement. Even though it is Mission Emphasis Month at First Isthmian Baptist, we will be weaving in the Month of Sacred Texts in our activities.
Stay updated for more on this event.
Marvia
Hey this sounds interesting. I can now say that it seems the word ‘celebration’ in Panama is synonymous with the word ‘Parade’.
September is also the time when JBU emphasizes mission (yeah im sure you know that). As you emphasize mission, are you gonna have a parade?
(k bad joke)
Bless
Right on the bat Derri,
Celebration=Parade.
Everyday the sounds of loud drumming from band practice can be heard in various neighbourhoods in the city of Colon. November 5th is just around the corner and it’s Patriotic celebrations again. Parade, Parade, Parade…
We are having mission emphasis month. A post is on the way.