Rome | Panama, February 20, 2026
The Order of Augustinian Recollects announces with profound sorrow and Christian hope the passing of Monsignor José Agustín Ganuza García, OAR , Bishop Emeritus of the Prelature of Bocas del Toro (Panama), which occurred on February 20, 2026, in the community of San Agustín School in Panama, belonging to the Augustinian Recollects. He was 94 years old and died of natural causes. At the time of his death, he had 78 years of consecrated life, 72 years of priestly ministry, and 53 years of episcopal ministry.
Monsignor Ganuza was born in Artajona (Navarre, Spain) on August 28, 1931. He entered the Order of Augustinian Recollects on September 26, 1947, and made his solemn profession on September 27, 1952. He was ordained a priest on June 27, 1954. He completed his studies at the minor seminary of Artieda and the major seminary of Sos del Rey Católico, earning a degree in Theology from the Pontifical University of Comillas in 1955.
In September 1958, he was assigned to Panama, where he carried out extensive pastoral and educational work as a professor at San Agustín School until 1970. On March 12, 1970, Pope Paul VI appointed him Prelate of Bocas del Toro, and on February 4, 1972, Titular Bishop of Pauzera. He received episcopal ordination on May 27, 1972.
During his episcopal ministry, he stood out for his missionary spirit, his closeness to communities, and his commitment to indigenous pastoral care. He also served as provincial vicar of the Augustinian Recollects in Central America and Panama, and presided over the Missions Department of the Panamanian Episcopal Conference.
He submitted his resignation due to age on November 18, 2007, which was accepted on May 1, 2008, by Pope Benedict XVI, whereupon he became Bishop Emeritus.
The Order of Augustinian Recollects joins in prayer with the Church in Panama, the Prelature of Bocas del Toro, the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria, and his family, thanking God for the life and ministry of this shepherd who dedicated his existence to evangelization and the service of the People of God.
