Saint Oscar Romero was a courageous Salvadoran Catholic priest who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of the poor and marginalized. Born in 1917, Romero’s early years as a priest were marked by conservative views, but his appointment as Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977 transformed him into a powerful voice for justice.
The brutal murder of his friend and fellow priest, Rutilio Grande, in 1977 profoundly impacted Romero, prompting him to boldly denounce social injustice, poverty, and violence. As Archbishop, he fearlessly challenged the Salvadoran military government’s human rights abuses, using his weekly radio sermons to reach a wide audience and inspire change.
Romero’s commitment to justice ultimately led to his tragic assassination on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass. His martyrdom sparked international outrage and protests, cementing his legacy as a champion of human rights and social justice.
In recognition of his extraordinary courage and devotion, Pope Francis declared Romero a martyr in 2015 and beatified him that same year. He was canonized as a saint on October 14, 2018, inspiring countless people worldwide to continue his fight for justice and human dignity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, like St. Oscar Romero, inspire us to be courageous enough to speak out on behalf of those who face injustice, no matter the cost. Inspire us to be of service to the church, especially in helping the poor and needy. May the courage of St. Oscar Romero inspire us to work with integrity for an end to violence and poverty. Amen.
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