(Edgar Beltrán/The Pillar) — The dictatorship of Daniel Ortega confiscated the seminary of the Matagalpa diocese on Monday, as persecution of the Catholic Church in Nicaragua continues.
According to local sources, the San Luis de Gonzaga Seminary had around 60 seminarians. About half were present when police arrived at the site – the others had not yet returned from vacation.
The seminarians who were present were sent home by police.
Local sources told The Pillar that no decision has been made about how the seminarians will continue their formation. It is expected that they will move to the interdiocesan seminary in Managua.
The San Luis de Gonzaga Seminary had served seminarians not only from Matagalpa, but also from other dioceses, including Siuna, whose bishop, Isidoro Mora, is currently in exile. Seminarians frequently studied philosophy in Matagalpa and then went to the Managua interdiocesan seminary.
The seizing of the seminary is the latest step in the crackdown against the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.
