A Pillar of Faith and Tradition in Veraguas
The history of the San José de Soná Sanctuary dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when its construction was driven by the vision and devotion of Mrs. Gumercinda de Amores, with the purpose of paying homage to Saint Joseph.
Devotion to St. Joseph is palpable in the district. Every March 19, the feast of St. Joseph of La Montaña is celebrated with fervor, and Eucharists and confession days are held every 19th of every month at the Sanctuary. This devotion was reinforced during the “Year of St. Joseph”, established by Pope Francis until December 8, 2021, a period in which the faithful went to the Shrine for confession.
In addition to its function as a place of worship, the San José Shrine is a place of remembrance. It is adjacent to the Mausoleum of Father José Félix Guembe, a Spanish priest whose body was found incorrupt in 1952, five years after his death.
A Space for Contemplation
The San José Church in Soná is an imposing building, whose image is representative of the head township. Although specific information on its detailed architecture is limited, it is known that it has been subject to reforms and remodeling throughout its history, especially in its main altar and side altars, which display various images of the Virgin Mary, El Nazareno and San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of the place.
Originally, the first church in Soná was a simple construction with a crescent-shaped tower, which was later changed to the traditional pyramidal shape it has today. Inside, the church has simple and comfortable pews, with capacity for approximately 5 people each, for a total of 40 pews.
Conclusion
The San José de Soná church is much more than a building; it is a living testimony to the history, faith and culture of a people. From its humble origins in the 19th century to its current role as a center of devotion and community landmark, this sanctuary embodies Soná's deep connection to its religious traditions and spiritual heritage. Its proximity to the Father Guembe Mausoleum adds an additional layer of mysticism and veneration, cementing it as a destination of great interest for those seeking to understand the essence of Soná.