Nicaraguan a Marian Country 

By Fr. John, CFR

Every now and then, a person arrives at a place they've never been before but feels as if they're at home. That's how I feel now as we embark on establishing the new convent in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Once completed, it will be named the San Antonio Convent, which makes sense since we're starting its construction from scratch. However, providentially, we have several aspects in our favor. We received the official invitation from the diocese to come to Nicaragua, Cardinal Egan granted us permission to settle, and the Diocese of Matagalpa acquired the land for the convent, provided by two brothers who wanted Catholic presence in a poor neighborhood located on a hillside overlooking the city. All of this is perfect for us. As is our custom, whatever we build will be provided by our benefactors and will be owned by the diocese. Currently, we are living in an empty office building, but these are superficial aspects that do not diminish the strong feeling of being at home.

I try to identify the main reason for why I have this strong sense of belonging, and I find several aspects. The Spanish colonial atmosphere, along with the sociable nature and self-confidence of Nicaraguans, reminds me of my Texan roots. Nicaraguans have a magnificent sense of cultural identity, which, among other things, is demonstrated through their songs and poems about their beloved land. Likewise, there has been a Franciscan presence here for centuries. In the memory of the people, there is a clear recollection that faith was brought here through the great sacrifice of individuals like the Venerable Antonio Margil OFM (Look up his biography online; we hope for progress in his canonization process). In fact, the recognition of the work of the friars makes one feel accepted, making the fixed questioning looks from those who do not know us more tolerable.

Another aspect of this place that makes me feel at home are the tall, rugged mountains surrounding the city, reminiscent of other places where I have enjoyed living, such as New Mexico and Herzegovina in Bosnia. In Bosnia, I lived and worked for two years during which the country was at war, making it similar to Nicaragua, which has recently experienced periods of revolution and long civil wars, with Matagalpa being heavily affected. In this place, people bear deep wounds, and the fear of a resurgence of past conflicts is palpable. Truly, all of this is very familiar to me. All of this adds elements that generate that feeling, but I must clarify that none of the aspects mentioned so far are the fundamental ones.

Recently, I have understood why. Just as supposedly our Lady has appeared in recent years on the hills of Herzegovina in Medjugorje, she also appeared in the 90s in Nicaragua. She continues to call her children to seek the peace that can only be found in her son Jesus. Within this context, my mind and heart exclaim, "Of course..., now I understand, my home is where my mother is!"

Decidedly, Nicaragua is a Marian nation. The country was consecrated to our Lady of the Immaculate Conception a long time ago, just as the Croats of Herzegovina have officially named Mary the perpetual queen of their land. National devotion to Mary in Nicaragua is very strong. For example, in Managua, there is a huge statue of our Lady in a roundabout on a major avenue, and very close by, in another roundabout, a huge statue of Jesus. These statues have been funded with public funds, and I could find similar images in almost every town I visited.

True Marian devotion always leads us to her son, so it is not surprising that the nation has a strong devotion to Jesus present in the blessed sacrament. Every Thursday, in almost every parish, there is a full day of adoration and processions. And with devotion to the Eucharist logically follows the desire for holy confession. Father Francis Mary, Father Terry, and I were happily surprised when we arrived unannounced to hear some confessions one afternoon at the cathedral, but we ended up finishing nine hours later. What a magnificent revelation! Now we knew that this would be our weekly apostolate.

Indeed, I feel at home in Nicaragua because our Lady is so present in this country, and because she is so accepted here. I feel at home because a vibrant majority of the population of this nation is not afraid to proclaim their faith, and they strive and fight for what is true, good, and just. Therefore, it is not surprising that recently, 98% of the votes in a survey were in favor of keeping abortion illegal, even when foreign governments and NGOs exerted strong pressure to change these results.

I am not saying that Nicaragua is paradise on earth. There is deep poverty generated in part by the long years of civil war and the strong natural disasters that have occurred approximately every two decades. Other problems are that the economy is sustained by external resources, and the political environment, like in other Central American countries, is volatile. Moreover, alcoholism, nurtured by poverty, is endemic. These situations are real problems, signs that remind us that we are not truly in our permanent home. Similarly, Bosnia-Herzegovina has suffered for centuries under Turkish, Nazi, and Communist regimes, all of which fervently and unsuccessfully tried to destroy all signs of faith in Jesus.

Being a Marian nation does not mean having a people unfamiliar with conflict. Certainly, the opposite is true. It should not surprise us that where our Lady is found, very close by is the enemy who tries to prevent people from acquiring the peace that her son offers. It is biblical; the enemy "became enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus" (NIV: Rev 12:17). Being in a state of conflict should be a familiar condition for all devotees of Mary, precisely because we bear witness to her son. During my stay in Medjugorje, I have frequently reflected that the war in Bosnia is only the physical manifestation of the spiritual battle that is raging worldwide. Fortunately, armed combat at the physical level is not the norm, however, it is a real and constant conflict.

Mary indicates to us that we should always be ready for battle, and that we should enter armed with the only good weapon, peace itself. Jesus tells us, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (NIV: John 14:27).

He then says, the world will hate you. "You will have trouble in the world but do not be afraid, I have overcome the world." We have peace when we are close to Jesus through prayer. "Pray, pray, pray!" has been the constant call of Mary in Medjugorje. Peace is the weapon (shield?) with which we fight our battle against the forces of darkness. Peace comes to those around us when we are at peace in him and through him.

Christians will only find our home in Heaven. That is our only home, and thankfully, we can anticipate what that home will be like, despite the conflicts that exist on earth. Our battle is with the armament of the King of Peace so that all those around us can anticipate what our home (in heaven) will be like. The feeling of being at home here in Nicaragua indicates to me that this is a country where matters of faith still matter. It can be observed that many here have their hearts set on the true home. The problems here do not overshadow the fact that something beautiful is alive in the faith of so many people.

I know that many people from different nations will read this reflection. Jesus is calling you personally to fight to make your nation not only a country without war because the mere absence of war definitely does not define peace. You are called to work to make your land a more homely place, being an instrument of peace for the people of your nation, leading them to the true home,,,,, Heaven. Therefore, I invite you to be a faithful follower of the message that Mary has given us in Medjugorje and here in Nicaragua..., pray, fast, read the Scriptures, confess your sins, and convert. These are the weapons of peace. Use them, and you will know the peace that surpasses all understanding. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!