ambassador speeches

Ambassador's Fund for cultural Preservation Award to church of Totogalpa

October 31, 2007
Totogalpa, Madriz

It is an honor and a pleasure for me to visit this great sanctuary which is a part of the historical patrimony of Nicaragua, and a very important part of the social, cultural, and religious history of the Nicaraguan Department of Madriz.  

It is evident here today that culture unites people.  Your community’s interest in preserving a national, cultural treasure, such as the Church of Maria Magdalena, has afforded your community the opportunity to come together to achieve a common goal—the restoration of this beautiful sanctuary.  Since the church is also a symbol of your spiritual and cultural heritage, it has also become a source of unifying strength for all of you. 

The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation was established by the U.S. Congress to help countries in need around the world preserve their cultural heritage.  I am happy to present this Ambassador’s Fund award in the amount of US$23,451.00 to the Nicaraguan people and particularly to the community of the Church of Maria Magdalena in support of your community’s efforts to preserve Nicaraguan cultural heritage.    

When people work together, great things are possible, sanctuaries and cities can be rebuilt, and lifelong cultural bridges can be shaped.  People throughout Nicaragua and Central America have been coming here for generations to visit the architectural colonial jewel represented by your church, and they will continue to visit and support your efforts to preserve your cultural heritage.  Americans understand the importance of preserving cultural patrimony and we are honored to play a small part in helping the people of Nicaragua in their cultural preservation efforts.  We look forward to the near future when we will celebrate with all of you the restoration of this beautiful church.  This site will once again become the place where people gather to express their faith and celebrate their cultural traditions.  We are confident it will remain an inspiration for future generations who will follow in your footsteps.  Many thanks.