A Sanctuary of Faith and Mystery
The District of Soná, in the province of Veraguas, Panama, is recognized not only for its agricultural wealth and natural landscapes, but also for housing a site of profound spiritual and cultural significance: the Mausoleum dedicated to Father José Félix Guembe.
This place, more than a simple monument, is an epicenter of faith and a point of pilgrimage that attracts the devout and the curious, eager to learn the story of a priest whose legacy transcended his own life.
The Life and “Miracle” of Father José Félix Guembe
José Félix Guembe, a priest of Spanish origin, was born on July 8, 1895 in the town of Milagros, Spain. His arrival in Soná in 1936 marked the beginning of a decade of pastoral service, during which he served as parish priest until his death on October 8, 1947.
Although described as having a strong character, Father Guembe and the Soná community forged a bond of mutual affection and deep trust.
The event that catapulted his figure to popular veneration occurred five years after his death. In 1952, during the exhumation of his remains, his body was found intact, with no signs of decomposition. This event, quickly known as “The Miracle of Guembe”, spread throughout Panama and beyond its borders, attracting a large number of visitors and pilgrims. Devotion to Father Guembe grew exponentially, and numerous miracles were attributed to him.
The figure of Father Guembe is also intertwined with local folklore. After his death, legends arose, such as the appearance of a “headless woman” that, while generating fear, also prompted Catholics to follow his teachings and pray with greater fervor. These popular narratives, though unverifiable, underscore the profound impact the priest had on the psyche and faith of the Sona community.
The Mausoleum: A Shrine of Pilgrimage and Memory
The Mausoleum of Father Guembe is the resting place of his remains, and is located adjacent to the San José Sanctuary in Soná. After the astonishing discovery of his incorrupt body in 1952, his coffin was initially kept in the San Isidro Parish. Years later, the construction of the mausoleum was made possible thanks to the alms and contributions of the numerous visitors and devotees. It was the priest Alfredo López, Father Guembe's successor, who actively promoted his devotion and supervised the construction of this important sanctuary. Once completed, the coffin was carried in an emotional procession, accompanied by a multitude of people from Sona and other towns.
On top of the coffin, a marble statue sculpted in his image presides over the mausoleum, serving as a focal point for veneration and remembrance. This site has established itself as a “must see” for visitors to Soná, attracting devotees and the curious alike.
Conclusion
The Mausoleum of Father José Félix Guembe is an enduring testimony to the faith, devotion and mystery surrounding the figure of this Spanish priest in Soná. Beyond its official status, the site represents a pillar of the district's cultural and religious identity, attracting thousands of people who seek inspiration, solace or simply wish to be part of a story that defies comprehension. Its existence is a reminder of how faith and traditions can shape the landscape and spirit of a community.