Our Lady of Cuapa (Nicaragua)
Cuapa · Chontales · Nicaragua · 1980
The apparitions
From May to October 1980, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to Bernardo Martínez, sacristan of the parish of Cuapa (Chontales, Nicaragua), a 50-year-old simple man with no mystical pretense. The apparitions occurred in a meadow near the people, in the face of the image of the Virgin who became visible on a cloud of light.
The message
The Virgin of Cuapa asked for the prayer of Rosary in the familypeace and reconciliation among Nicaraguans. The apparitions occurred in the middle of the Sandinista revolution (July 1979 had been the triumph of the FSLN), at a time of deep division in Nicaragua. The Marian message was of unity: "Reconciliation, you are divided."
Our Lady also asked that the Rosary not be reduced to individual devotion but to live Family"May the Rosary be the prayer of the Nicaraguan family."
Church approval
The Bishop of Juigalpa, Mons. Pablo Antonio Vega, investigated the facts and in 1982 stated that the apparitions They deserved credit.. In 1987, after a more comprehensive study, the bishop published a decree of approval. It is one of the few Marian apparitions of the 20th century approved in Central America.
The Cuapa shrine was erected in 1984 and today is a pilgrimage place for all of Nicaragua. Bernardo Martínez, ordained a priest in 1983, exercised his ministry until his death in 2000.
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