El Salvador Study Abroad 2010: Monseñor Romero

"If they kill me, I will resurrect among the Salvadoran people" ~Archbishop Romero

Óscar Arnulfo Romero (August 15, 1917-March 24, 1980), known as Monseñor Romero was a priest of the Roman Catholic church in El Salvador. During his time as an archbishop, Monseñor Romero witnessed numerous violations of human rights and began speaking out on behalf of the poor and victims of persecution. Due to his influence among the Salvadoran people, he became a threat to the Salvadoran government and so one day in 1980, he was assassinated by gunshot while consecrating the the elements of the Holy Communion during mass. His death brought about the country wide protest for the human rights reform in El Salvador. While we were there his picture was absolutely every where. this year, they celebrate the 30th anniversary of his death. He lives on among the Salvadoran people years later. They have never forgotten him and how he walked among them and suffered with them and most of all fought for them to his death.

The next is a prayer that I read regarding Monseñor Romero which I thought adequately described what he did for his people. He was their martyr, the one who gave up his life so that they may be free and full of hope. Just as he sacrificed his life, so did the Lord Jesus Christ who also gave up his life to save his people from their sins.

PRAYER

"Almighty God, you called your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen." -Wiki