Saint of the Week

Saint of the Week: Óscar Romero

Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (1917-1980) was a Salvadoran Roman Catholic Archbishop whose journey from conservative priest to outspoken advocate for the poor transformed him into one of Latin America's most significant religious figures of the 20th century.

Born into modest circumstances in Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador, Romero was ordained in 1942 after completing his theological studies in Rome. His early career was marked by administrative roles and a traditional approach to church hierarchy. Initially considered a conservative who separated church affairs from political matters, Romero underwent what many call a "conversion" after witnessing the growing oppression of the Salvadoran people.

The turning point in Romero's ministry came in 1977 when he was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador amid escalating violence against the poor. The assassination of his friend Father Rutilio Grande just weeks after Romero's appointment profoundly affected him. In response, Romero became an increasingly vocal critic of government oppression, using his Sunday homilies, broadcast throughout the nation via radio, to document human rights abuses and call for social justice.

Despite death threats and opposition from fellow bishops, Romero persisted in advocating for the poor and condemning violence. On March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass at a hospital chapel, Archbishop Romero was assassinated by a paid gunman—one day after delivering a sermon imploring soldiers to disobey orders to kill civilians.

Romero's legacy as a champion for the oppressed and voice for the voiceless continues to inspire people around the world. His final words before his death echoed his conviction: "Those who surrender to the service of the poor through love of Christ will live like the grain of wheat that dies... The harvest comes because of the grain that dies."

The Feast of Saint Óscar Romero
Join us next Monday, March 24, at 12:15pm for a celebration of the life and witness of Óscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador (d. 1980).