The Episcopal Conference of Venezuela expressed its concern and solidarity for the “moments of difficulties” that the Catholic Church is experiencing in Nicaragua. The bishops affirm that they have followed the latest events in the Central American country that “are marking the life and mysteries” of the Nicaraguan religious.
«… expulsion of priests. seminarians and religious deacons, including the Sisters of Charity; as well as the prosecution and imprisonment of the dear brother Rolando Álvarez, bishop of (the Diocese of) Matagalpa,” detailed the Venezuelan religious entity.
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The bishops of the South American country affirm that the coherence of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez; his prophetic decision and his accompaniment to the people “is a light that keeps the word of truth alive, the only one that frees human beings.”
“May God change hearts”
The Venezuelan hierarchs point out that in their prayers they ask God to change the hearts of those who have made »those decisions, so that, in addition to reconsidering them and converting, they understand that, by divine mandate, the Church will always be faithful to the prophetic mission of announcing the word of liberation walking together with his people».
The Bishop of the Diocese of Matagalpa, Monsignor Rolando Álvarez Lagos, was sentenced to 26 years in prison for alleged crimes of treason on February 10, after refusing to be exiled from Nicaragua. This action of the prelate enraged Ortega who ordered him to be locked up in a punishment cell in the “La Modelo” prison in Tipitapa.
In addition, they state that they continue to pray for the Church of Nicaragua so that they continue to be “iron columns” where the parishioners find “support, strength and protection of their authentic dignity and freedom, that of the children of God.”
