Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

After celebrating Mass on December 29, 2023, in the Diocese of Managua, Nicaragua, Father Silvio Fonseca Martinez was arrested by police officers at Santa Faz Church. Now, over a year later and more than 3,000 miles away from his home country, he has found a new parish and freedom to minister in Jamestown, Kentucky.

Father Fonseca Martinez arrived in the Archdiocese of Louisville in September 2024. He currently serves as associate pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Jamestown. "Father Johnson has received me as a brother and the people have given me a warm welcome," he stated during an interview at Good Shepherd Church in Columbia, Kentucky.

The priest was one of several church figures exiled to Rome in January 2024 due to ongoing persecution by Nicaragua's government led by President Daniel Ortega. This group included two bishops and two seminarians from Nicaragua.

Despite facing imprisonment and exile, Father Fonseca Martinez expressed gratitude for his current situation: "I’m very grateful. I hope to contribute to the archdiocese and I’m enthusiastic to help in this rural area."

Reflecting on his past experiences with the Nicaraguan government, he said: “We dedicated our time to preaching the Word... They’re trying to destroy the structure, but they can’t destroy the church.” Despite missing his homeland where his family still resides, he remains hopeful for peace: “Nicaragua needs a profound conversion.”

In Kentucky, Father Fonseca Martinez focuses on serving both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking parishioners at multiple churches. He aims to unite these communities while addressing their specific needs: “There’s a lot of fear in immigrant communities because of immigration issues... I want to be a voice for the Hispanic community.”

He shares concerns with Carmelite Father Johnson Thekkudan about faith formation for Spanish speakers who may leave Catholicism if services are not offered in their language. "They need to realize the church is with them," said Father Thekkudan.

Both priests recognize challenges faced by Hispanic communities due to legal status issues and unstable family life. Father Thekkudan hopes that Father Fonseca Martinez will provide stability: “His presence is important.”

Father Fonseca Martinez concluded with optimism about his role: “I am enthusiastic to do what I can with love.”