The Bishops of Central America have issued a heartfelt call for a day of prayer to express solidarity with the Church in Nicaragua. This initiative, prompted by the 82nd Assembly of the Episcopal Secretariat of Central America, aims to support the Nicaraguan people in their time of need.
The Bishops’ statement, titled “Central American Day of Prayer for the Church in Nicaragua: ‘We cry out with Nicaragua,'” urges every diocese, vicariate, parish, and community in Central America to come together in prayer. The goal is to ensure that no one feels alone, especially in the face of religious persecution.
On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, individuals across Central America and beyond are invited to offer expressions of closeness and fraternal appreciation. This special day holds significant meaning in Nicaragua, where it is celebrated with the tradition of “la gritería,” honoring the Virgin Mary as their Mother and Patroness.
The Bishops’ choice of December 8 as the day of prayer is a symbolic gesture to unite with the Nicaraguan people’s cry for help. The situation in Nicaragua remains turbulent, with over 200 religious leaders expelled and clergy members arrested, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez. Most recently, Bishop Carlos Herrera of Jinotega, the president of the country’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was exiled, marking the third Nicaraguan bishop to face expulsion in the past year.
