The president of Nicaragua, Enrique Bolaños Geyer, joined parishioners last week to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington.

The president was accompanied by his wife and diplomats from the Central American country, including the ambassador in Washington, D.C. The president was on an official visit, which included a meeting with President George Bush.

Although he was not able to attend the vigil Mass, the president joined hundreds of parishioners at Benedict Hall for a reception with music and food.

"I feel honored to be here with you celebrating the Immaculate Conception, and particularly happy because it is the first time we are in this diocese," said Bolaños.

The president commended the presence of Father Gerry Creedon, pastor; Monsignor Silvio Fonseca from the Archdiocese of Nicaragua, and Fathers José Hoyos, director of the Spanish Apostolate and John O’Hara, parochial vicar of St. Charles Borromeo.

"Who causes us so much happiness?" asked Bolaños. "The Immaculate Conception of Mary," everyone responded following a Nicaraguan tradition called "El griterío" (the screaming).

In reference to recent political turnmoil in Nicaragua, Bolaños said, "once again God’s hand had touched our country. We are now in peace and in progress."
Finally the president told the attendants that he has special feelings for St. Charles Borromeo because "on his birthday I won the election."