Mother's Day In Panama

December 8th is Mother’s Day in Panama and is observed as a National Holiday.

Yes, you read right. From what I have been able to discover this holiday is associated with the Roman Catholic Church in Panama. Within the Roman Catholic community the day is observed to commemorate The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Why a December Mother’s Day Is Appropriate
Without knowing the meaning behind this day, when I saw it on our church calendar my thought was how appropriate given that this is the month associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians in the West have maintained December as the period of Advent – awaiting the coming of the Lord.

Therefore, the Panamanian Mother’s Day in December is really an appropriate time for remembering the Mother of all Mothers, Mary the Mother of Jesus the Christ. No doubt there will be those who think that to celebrate Mary at this time will be taking away the limelight from the Christ child. I disagree, for I feel we do not pay sufficient attention to the work of Mary.

Mother’s Day in Panama’s Contemporary Church Life
Panama inherited this religious practice from Spain. Yet today, this tradition does not carry that religious significance based on what I have already seen leading up to the celebration of Panama’s Mother’s Day. Like the celebration of Christmas, there is hardly anything said of Mary or Jesus. It is now a grand commercial activity.

Among Roman Catholics in Panama, Mother’s Day was traditionally the day children receive their First Communion. I have been told that overtime this began posing problems for persons who wish to attend the services of other children of relatives and friends and found that services clashed.Today, First Communion services are held in different churches leading up to December 8th. On Mother’s Day the new communicants will gather for one service of reception.

Among Protestants, there seems to be no similar religious significance. There are concerts, dinners, and lunches on this day. There is a rush on beauty salons as mothers are out “prettifying” themselves for the day. You can well imagine what this means if you know something about the Latin American context. In Panama, Mother’s Day is another National Holiday that is a huge event. [I haven't heard anything about a Parade..:-)]

What will First Isthmian Baptist be doing? The Sunday School Department, Brotherhood, and Women on Mission will be teaming up to take gifts and visit the elderly residents at the Atlantic Home right here in Colon. However, we will be doing this on Saturday not on Mother’s Day.

Salute to Panama Women
I salute Panamanian women this Mother’s Day when the statistics show that one in every five Panamanian woman lives in extreme poverty, and one in every two lives in poverty. I salute Mothers, especially the increasing number of single mothers who are struggling to raise their children.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mothers of Panama!

May the God of Eve, Sarah, Hagar,
Tamar, Elizabeth, and Mary the Mother Of Christ smile favourably upon you.
May SHE be gracious unto you and bless you.
May she clasp you to her bosom and comfort you,
Hold your hand to reassure you
And in HER presence may you find Peace. Amen.
Woman Blessing, by Marvia Lawes 08/12/2006]

Grace and Peace,
Marvia