Blessed Oscar Romero was the Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador, when he was assassinated while celebrating Mass on March 24, 1980. Recently,
the Vatican announced that Romero will be canonized next year. To remember his Feast Day (March 24) in a special way, we are sharing
these readings that were collected to mark his beatification in 2015.
We pray:
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. Amen.
I had no doubt after 2 trips to El Salvador that the day would finally come when Oscar Romero would up for canonization. His life and his death have had such a powerful impact to this day on the poor of El Salvador. When I went on pilgrimage there, it was a time of peace after a former oppressive militaristic government. Unfortunately, the time of peace was short-lived and now it seems it is back to being the same kind of government that brought about the disappearance of so many and the martyrdom of Romero at the altar. We take so much for granted here in the United States...let's pray for our sisters and brothers in other countries who do not have the same freedoms and the right to live in a more peaceful society. Sr. Josita
ReplyDeleteAfter having made two trips to El Salvador and learning about the country, its people, and Oscar Romero, I knew that some day he would be canonized for the martyr he became in service to and defense of the poor and the many people who 'disappeared'. When I went at the beginning of this century, there was actually a time of relative peace in the country & the people were not afraid to speak up or stand for their rights. However, as I understand it, the government is now back to being what it was when Romero was martyred at the altar during Mass.
ReplyDeleteWe take so much for granted here in the United States. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in other countries who live in fear because of oppressive leaders and whose family members who speak up are often becoming 'the disappeared' in their country. May St. Oscar Romero once more become the voice and conscience that brings about peace for the people of El Salvador!