Darién, Apostolic Vicariate of

DARIÉN, VICARIATO APOSTOLICO di. - The mission of D. is located in the southeastern part of Panama and comprises the whole less civilized zone of the country. Evangelization was begun in the early years of the 16th century by some Dominicans, to whom the Capuchins and the Jesuits were later added; these then had to withdraw because of the hostility of the Indians and the favor shown to Protestants by the civil authorities. At the end of the 18th century, once the persecution had ceased, the Augustinians returned. The apostolic vicariate was erected on 29 Nov. 1925 by the dismemberment of the archdiocese of Panama and entrusted to the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).

It may be calculated approximately that the population amounts to 113,000 inhabitants scattered over a territory extending for 28,010 sq km. Catholics number 64,000, Protestants 20,500, pagans 22,000, Jews, Muslims and Eastern dissidents 6500. The missionary personnel is composed of 25 Claretian priests, 13 lay brothers and 56 sisters. The vicariate is divided into two districts, 6 parishes, 3 primary stations, 46 secondary stations. There are 22 churches and 24 chapels. The Catholic schools are distributed as follows: 18 elementary, with 2280 pupils; 2 middle schools with 125 pupils, 2 higher schools with 960 pupils. Among the works of assistance there are 1 hospital, 1 orphanage, 1 leprosarium and 1 nursery. Two magazines are printed there: El faro and Buen Pastor, with a circulation of 1000 copies each.

Antonio Mazza