San Giuseppe da Copertino
Table of contents
Cardinal
José Luis
Lacunza Maestrojuán,
O.A.R.
San Giuseppe da Copertino
Panama
Praesumus si prosumus
We have authority if we serve
Table of contents
Key Data
Summary
Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán is a Spanish-born Augustinian friar and a retired Bishop of David in Panama.
Born on February 24, 1944, in Pamplona, Spain, he began his religious journey at the San José Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers in Artieda, Spain. He pursued philosophy in Zaragoza and theology at the Neustra Señora de la Consolación Augustinian Major Seminary in Pamplona.
Lacunza made his solemn profession in the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR) on September 16, 1967, and was ordained a priest on July 13, 1969, in Pamplona. After teaching in Madrid, he moved to Panama, where he obtained a licentiate in philosophy and history from the National University of Panama.
His service within the OAR included roles such as rector of the Colegio San Agustín, Provincial councilor for Central America and Panama, and president of the Federation of Catholic Educators of Panama. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and later as rector of the Catholic University Santa María in Antigua.
On December 30, 1985, Lacunza was appointed titular bishop of Partenia and auxiliary of Panamá, receiving episcopal consecration on January 18, 1986. He later served as bishop of Chitré from October 29, 1994, and was appointed bishop of David on July 2, 1999.
Lacunza played a significant role in the Episcopal Conference of Panamá, serving as its president for two terms (2000-2004 and 2007-2013). He also held the position of President of the Economic Committee of the Latin American Episcopal Council (C.E.L.A.M.) from 2015.
Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal in the consistory of February 14, 2015, assigning him the Title of San Giuseppe da Copertino. This appointment made him the first Cardinal of Panama. Currently, he serves as a member of the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Service to the Church
- Ordination to the Priesthood: 13 July 1969
- Ordination to the Episcopate: 18 January 1986
- Elevation to the College of Cardinals: 14 February 2015
Education
- Studied at San José Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers in Artieda, Spain
- Pursued philosophy in Zaragoza and theology at the Neustra Señora de la Consolación Augustinian Major Seminary in Pamplona
- Obtained a licentiate in philosophy and history from the National University of Panama.
Assignments
- 1969-1970s: Taught Latin and Religion at Colegio Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo in Madrid
- 1970s-1985: Taught at Colegio San Agustín in Panama City
- 1979-1985: Served as rector of Colegio San Agustín
- 1976-1982: Provincial councilor for Central America and Panama
- 1980-1985: Member of the Board of Trustees of Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua
- 1985: Appointed rector of Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua and Rector of St. Joseph the Great Seminary
- 1985: Appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Panama
- 2000-2004 and 2007-2013: Served as President of the Episcopal Conference of Panama
- 2015: Appointed President of the Economic Committee of the Latin American Episcopal Council (C.E.L.A.M.).
Memberships
- Dicastery for Culture and Education
- Pontifical Commission for Latin America
Photo: Abaca Press / Alamy
