Bishop Silvio Baéz demands to know the whereabouts of the Bishop of Matagalpa.
Newsroom (September 20, 2022, 9:45 PM, Gaudium Press) The Diocese of Matagalpa is asking to pray the rosary daily for the kidnapped Bishop. Concern is growing about the fate of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, of Matagalpa. The last thing that was known about him was that he was under house arrest in Managua.
But in fact, recent concrete details about his situation are hidden even from his brother in the episcopate, Bishop Silvio Báez, in exile in Florida.
#Nicaragua. Every day I worry more about my brother bishop, Bishop Rolando José Álvarez. I join the people of God in demanding to see Bishop Rolando, to know where and how he is, and for the dictatorship to set him free. I call on the Church worldwide to join in this demand!
Who visited him was Cardinal Brenes, Archbishop of the Nicaraguan capital. The Cardinal said last September 4 that Archbishop Álvarez “is in good health.
The retention of Archbishop Álvarez violates all the norms of law, since it was not decreed by judicial authority after due process, but was determined by the police, which is headed by a relative of Daniel Ortega, Francisco Díaz.
Neither the Police nor the Public Ministry have filed formal charges against the prelate. In a statement, the police simply stated that Bishop Álvarez was attempting to “organize violent groups” “with the aim of destabilizing the Nicaraguan state and attacking the constitutional authorities.
In his last conversation with Archbishop Álvarez, Cardinal Brenes found him in good health and “better spirits.” “He asks us to continue praying for him, and that the Holy Spirit will enlighten us so that we can soon resolve this conflict,” the cardinal stressed.
“His family goes to visit him twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon,” the Cardinal further said, “his cousin, who took care of his house, cleaned and cooked for him during the days he was in Managua, continues to cook for him,” he informed.
Praying the Rosary for the kidnapped bishop
For its part, the Diocese of Matagalpa has asked Catholics to pray the rosary daily for their kidnapped bishop:
“To the Queen of heaven and earth, we entrust Bishop Rolando José, Bishop of the Diocese of Matagalpa and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Estelí,” the diocese highlights on its Facebook account.
With information from Infocatólica and Aciprensa.
Compiled by Zephania Gangl