Oxford has been twinned with Leon, Nicaragua since 1986, and since then the Misa Campesina has been celebrated many times in Oxford. The Mass is the result of the composer Carlos Meija Godoy collaborating with 60 other people, including peasant farmers, priests, fishermen and musicians, prior to the revolution. The Mass describes a God living with the Nicaraguan people who is ready to join in the struggle for liberation.

The Mass, which had been commissioned by the Sandanista Front for National Liberation (FSLN) played an important part in fusing the Nicaraguan people's deep religious faith with the political message of armed revolution. It was initially so successful that it was banned by the incumbent regime.

Although there have been political changes within Nicaragua since then, the Mass remains popular both in terms of national identity and as a remembrance for those who gave their lives in the revolutionary struggle.

This year, Oxford Celebrated the Misa Campesina with a choir made up of members of the Oxford Leon Association and Trust and the celebrant of the Mass, Fr John O'Connor. Fr O'Connor's sermon spoke of Alcoholics Anonymous and John Calvin, and illuminated deep truths in an accessible and interesting way, typical of Blackfriars.

The normally somber atmosphere of the church was instantly lit up with the exotic, rhythmic and exciting music, including birdsong, whoops and clapping. What the choir lacked in professionalism was more than made up for by their obvious enthusiasm and commitment. Helpfully, the congregation were given a translation of the lyrics within the printed order of the Mass. Particular highlights include the Canto de Offertorio in which, “ As workers and peasants with the bread and wine we offer you today along with……jam and honey and our best home-brew"

But, for me, the final verse of the Canto de Communion seemed to capture the full sense of the Mass -“The communion is not a trivial and irrelevant ritual. It's a promise and a reality, a Christian waking of conscience, when we are receiving the struggle of our people which means that when I say I'm a Christian, be sure, my brother, that you can count on me."