June 29: Nicaragua

Pray 

Pray for Christians in Nicaragua, where the Catholic Church faces brutal government persecution. 

Reflect 

The Church in Nicaragua—the one remaining independent civil society institution in the country since the abolition of all political opposition parties and organizations in the country in 2021—continues to suffer persecution from the regime of Daniel Ortega and his wife and Co-President, Rosario Murillo. Since 2018, when the Nicaraguan bishops declared their support for the Nicaraguan people’s right to protest against unpopular governmental fiscal policies, the Church in Nicaragua has suffered a systematic and politically charged campaign of aggression, including bloody assaults against parishes and chapels, kidnappings, politically calculated desecrations of the Blessed Sacrament, the expulsion of the Apostolic Nuncio, the exile of half of the country’s bishops, and many priests and religious. This year, the regime has extensively limited the Church’s freedom to conduct its traditional Holy Week processions, and sermons are conspicuously monitored and recorded during Mass. Despite these tremendous challenges, the Nicaraguan people remain steadfast in their faith, and have, courageously, opted for the exercise of peaceful opposition to the unjust and against policies against the Church in Nicaragua. 

Act 

Build solidarity with the Catholic Church around the world by continuing to pray and learn about the struggles of our brothers and sisters. Stay informed by signing up for the USCCB’s religious liberty newsletter, First Freedom News.