To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1: 7) (Nicaragua)

Amid a reality of death, repression, imprisonment, abusive dismissal, cancelation of juristic person to Human Rights and other GNOs, attacks towards media and invasion of their facilities, and thousands of people migrating to other countries there is a light shining. A faint light at times, but it never goes out. The value, bravery and courage of teenagers -even under imprisonment- continuously provide hope for a new tomorrow for all of us.

We, the Missionary Dominican Sisters of the Rosary, continue turning on lights and providing an oasis in the middle of this terrible desert where it is not easy to find the horizon. We don’t give up in our bet for God’s kingdom. In these days we have had meetings with young people from peasant community who will join the Ascencion Nicol project in 2019. It was a pleasant and joyful experience amid the reality we face.

We started a very creative integration dynamic, where we met each other as well as got closer and closer among all of us. Then, we continued by having a pray time where we tried to experience the project logo: “Talita Kum!” we joined when we listened the words “He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum! Little girl, I say to you, get up! (Little girl, I say to you, get up!)” (Mark 5:41)

The psalm -in search of life’s meaning- helped us to reflect and try to answer the questions: who am I? What am I looking for? What is life meaning to me? existential questions we ask ourselves in every life stage and that are not easily to answer.

Mother Ascencion was presented by a simple video full of her passionate life. The people got very motivated by this woman that is a reference for today’s women. Great challenge!

The Project “Formacion Integral Ascencion Nicol”, which is the project they want to be part of, was presented. Its objectives and practice are inspired by dignity, empowerment and the overcoming of marginalized women.

Participants came back to their communities full of enthusiasm and wishing not to move away despite the difficult reality that the country, their families and their communities are facing. Nothing will stop us from being light amid darkness and betting for God’s dream for humankind. We believe that tenderness is a truce that opens new possibilities and introduces humanity in the world.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; and those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2)