The Estrella de Panama newspaper and other media of communication have reported the ceremony celebrated in the City Hall on Thursday 8th January, in which Beramendi received the award from the mayor of Panama, Jose Blandon Figueroa. The honour was given to him for his outstanding merits, and because through his work he has left his mark on the promotion of the faith.
At the service of education
The head of the capital city’s administration, who presided at the award ceremony and presented the recognition from the “Most Noble and Loyal City of Panama” to this distinguished personality, spoke highly of the more outstanding merits of the priest.
The mayor’s decision points out that in 1984 the Reverend Father Jose Jaime Beramendi Erice was appointed co-ordinator of the secondary level at Panama’s St Augustine College by His Eminence Cardinal Jose Luis Lacunza, who was director of the College between 1977 and 1985.
Fr Jose Jaime Beramendi Erice, of the order of Augustinian Recollects, was born in Mendigorria, Navarra, Spain, on 5th February 1946, and made his simple profession of vows in the order on 15th September 1964, being ordained to the priesthood on 7th December 1973.
The Key of the City
The Key of the City is presented by the Panama mayor’s office only to Panamanian nationals and to foreigners who because of their significant merits are also declared Guests of Honour of the District of Panama.
The Key of the City – made of bronze and plated with 24 carat gold and decorated with emeralds – goes with a parchment bearing the signature of the head of the capital city’s administration, and which emphasizes the most outstanding achievements of the person who receives it.