Hundreds pack LA church as exiled bishop, priest speak against Nicaragua regime
An exiled bishop encouraged LA-area Nicaraguans to seek the Lord while “fighting for peace, liberty, and justice without ever losing hope or giving up” during a visit to St. Vincent de Paul Church in Exposition Park Epiphany weekend.
Auxiliary Bishop Silvio Báez of Managua and Father Edwing Román — both exiled after publicly criticizing the government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo — came to LA days after authorities there arrested several priests.
Speaking to a packed house from the pulpit at a Mass Saturday afternoon, Báez in his homily encouraged the faithful to see today’s social and political strife in Nicaragua with eyes of faith by emulating the magi who remained united, trusted in God’s timing, kept their eyes fixed on the Star of Bethlehem and were not intimidated by a powerful person like King Herod.