In a heart-rending disruption of faith, Nicaragua’s government has intensified its persecution of the Catholic Church, banning traditional Lenten processions for a second year. Human rights advocates and exiled priests claim this marks one of the most severe attacks on religion globally, denying many their spiritual practices. The plight of over 200 exiled clergy complicates the provision of Mass and confessions, especially in rural communities.
Remaining clergy in Nicaragua face a grim reality of constant surveillance and pressure from authorities, requiring them to report their movements and submit sermons for approval. Financial constraints add to their struggles, as many have had their bank accounts frozen and are battling shortages of essentials. The oppressive atmosphere, as described by a local priest, inhibits their ability to serve their congregations fully.
The United States has vocally condemned the actions of Nicaraguan leaders Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, accusing them of systematically undermining the Catholic Church. During a visit to the region, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the government’s attempts to eradicate religious institutions. The Commission on International Religious Freedom highlighted the abysmal conditions for believers in Nicaragua, where over 80% of the population follows Christianity.
Reports indicate the government is trying to manipulate religion for its benefit, allowing only state-aligned clergy to conduct public worship. Critics, such as Félix Maradiaga, claim the regime’s strategies resemble repressive methods used in China, aiming to co-opt religious leaders and establish a parallel church that conforms to state ideology. The Sandinista Government’s hostility towards the Church escalated following its provision of aid to citizens during protests against government repression in 2018.
Martha Patricia Molina, a lawyer, recorded nearly 1,000 instances of church persecution since 2018, pointing out that repression has recently taken on new forms. With clergy members now stagnated by fear of reprisal, instances like the prohibition of public Lenten processions are alarming. The fate of bishops, nuns, and seminarians hangs in the balance, as many remain in exile or barred from returning to Nicaragua.
Despite the oppressive atmosphere, the faithful persist in their devotion, sometimes gathering in secrecy to worship. The yearning for a return to their homeland remains strong among Nicaraguans, even for clergy in exile, who harbour hope for a more liberated future. An urging letter from Pope Francis, encouraging faith in divine mercy, resonates deeply amidst the turmoil, reminding them that hope endures even in the darkest of times.
Nicaragua’s crackdown on the Catholic Church intensifies with bans on Lenten processions and the exile of over 200 clergy. Surveillance and repression are pervasive for those still in Nicaragua, with the U.S. government condemning the actions of Ortega’s regime. Despite these challenges, the faithful continue to find ways to worship, holding onto hope for a future free of oppression.
In conclusion, Nicaragua continues to experience a severe crackdown on the Catholic Church, marked by the exile of clergy, suppression of traditional practices, and increased governmental control over religious institutions. This troubling trend has drawn attention from human rights advocates and the U.S. government, which are outspoken in their condemnation. Yet, despite the harsh realities, the resilience and hope of the faithful and clergy in Nicaragua remain steadfast, inspiring a glimmer of optimism amidst their trials.
Original Source: wtop.com
