MIAMI (AP) — Hundreds of Nicaraguans gathered in Miami, singing praises to the Virgin Mary amidst decorative flower and light-filled altars to mark the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. This year's celebration resonated deeply, reflecting the ongoing crackdowns on religious freedoms in Nicaragua. We’re going to do it no matter what, expressed Neri Flores, who traveled from Chicago for the event. His family set up an altar complete with a significant painting his mother carried across the U.S.-Mexican border in the early 1980s.
Around them, families came together across generations, with altars adorned with multiple statues of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing hope and resilience. As the atmosphere buzzed with traditional songs and prayers, the gathering transformed into a powerful act of faith, especially poignant given the intensifying persecution faced by religious figures in Nicaragua.
With clergy imprisoned or exiled for standing against the government, the event served as a message of solidarity and a call for freedom for those back home. The mood was celebratory yet reflective, as church members insisted their devotion transcended borders. Today’s event is all about a gesture of trust, remarked Rev. Yader Centeno, highlighting the strength of faith among the community's members.
As families sang, they also donated toys, traditional food, and religious souvenirs, showcasing the unified spirit of perseverance. The celebration not only honored a beloved tradition but also reaffirmed their hopes for a peaceful future in both Nicaragua and the U.S.
In Miami’s St. Agatha Catholic Parish, the Rev. Silvio Báez reminded attendees to remain vocal against oppression, promising that the Virgin would not forget those suffering. As the congregation celebrated, they expressed the desire for deeper connections with their roots while seeking safety and liberty in their adopted land.
Around them, families came together across generations, with altars adorned with multiple statues of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing hope and resilience. As the atmosphere buzzed with traditional songs and prayers, the gathering transformed into a powerful act of faith, especially poignant given the intensifying persecution faced by religious figures in Nicaragua.
With clergy imprisoned or exiled for standing against the government, the event served as a message of solidarity and a call for freedom for those back home. The mood was celebratory yet reflective, as church members insisted their devotion transcended borders. Today’s event is all about a gesture of trust, remarked Rev. Yader Centeno, highlighting the strength of faith among the community's members.
As families sang, they also donated toys, traditional food, and religious souvenirs, showcasing the unified spirit of perseverance. The celebration not only honored a beloved tradition but also reaffirmed their hopes for a peaceful future in both Nicaragua and the U.S.
In Miami’s St. Agatha Catholic Parish, the Rev. Silvio Báez reminded attendees to remain vocal against oppression, promising that the Virgin would not forget those suffering. As the congregation celebrated, they expressed the desire for deeper connections with their roots while seeking safety and liberty in their adopted land.
