My name is Hazzel Mariela Pérez Blandón. I am a public accountant, Nicaraguan citizen and wife of journalist Wilberto Artola Mejía, former collaborator of the Diocese of Matagalpa and former political prisoner.
At the age of 18, I met my husband who was already working for the communication media of the Diocese of Matagalpa. We are currently celebrating 20 years of marriage and have two daughters, Wendy Mariela and Jessel Gabriela Artola Pérez.
My husband has always been a man faithful to his Catholic principles, and he would never abandon his Church, Bishop Rolando José Álvarez and the rest of his co-workers who for so long accompanied him in such important work as informing and evangelizing through the media. This is the main reason why he was declared a traitor to his country.
Bishop Rolando Alvarez of Matagalpa
in the Cathedral of St. Peter,
Matagalpa, Nicaragua, in June 2018.
On Dec. 11, 2022, when my husband was unjustly arrested, we lived through great pain, uncertainty and sadness in our home, especially for our parents and our daughters. Since that day we had no peace of mind, because I, too, was persecuted by people connected to the government. But we always kept our faith firm—praying the holy rosary was our comfort and hope.
Feb. 9, 2023, was a great day for us as the prisoners—my husband and all the people unjustly detained since 2018—were released. Although I knew we would not be together, they were free. It was very sad that Bishop Rolando José, at the time, could not regain his freedom along with the rest of the people. God and Our Blessed Mother would not abandon us; they always take care of us, protect us and perform many miracles for us. Our special miracle is that our family is now united, and by God's grace currently living in Traverse City.
I want to personally thank the Diocese of Gaylord for helping us reunite our family and the rest of the families of the committed laity; Bishop Jeffrey Walsh for allowing us to come to his diocese, for giving us all his support and friendship; and Father Wayne Dziekan for all the good he has done for our family, for his patience and generosity towards us. I also thank the many people and families who have supported us from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Mancelona, Guadalupe Chapel, St. Philip Neri Parish in Empire, St. Mary Parish in Kalkaska and the entire Diocese.
We have been very blessed. We feel like family here in Traverse City because of the welcoming reception of many people and the friendship and help we were given when we needed it most. Little by little we are moving forward. May God and the Blessed Virgin reward you for all the good you do for us.
