Oscar Romero Canonisation of Today we celebrate the life of Oscar Romero.
What is a saint? “I invite you to become saints.” Pope Benedict XVI, 2010 But what is a saint? We are all called to be saints – examples of God’s love in the world. When he visited Britain, Pope Benedict said to children: “I invite you to become saints”. But when someone is declared a saint by the Church, they are being held up as an example for us .
Who was Romero? A special man Stood up for poor communities in El Salvador Spoke out against inequality Romero was a special man, who stood up for poor communities. He was born in El Salvador, and became Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977. In El Salvador there was a lot of inequality - a few families were very rich and owned lots of land but most people were poor and earned very little. People became angry at this unfairness. Many people, like Romero, spoke out against what was happening. But the rich were powerful – if people complained they were put in prison or even killed.
Friend of the poor In 1980, Romero was killed while saying Mass. He is remembered for his: Courage Faith Love for the poor. Despite the dangers, Romero stood alongside his people and spoke out against injustice. On 24 March 1980, Romero was killed while saying Mass. Oscar Romero knew that he was risking his life. And yet, like Jesus, he continued to speak out against the things he knew were wrong. Romero is remembered for his courage, his faith and his great love for the poor.
Canonisation In 2016, the Church said that Romero was a martyr, that he died for his faith. So, Romero was ‘beatified’ - declared ‘Blessed’. Romero will be ‘canonised’ on 14 October 2018. He will become known as ‘Saint Oscar Romero’. In 2016, the Church said that Romero was a martyr, that he died for his faith. So, Romero was ‘beatified’ - declared ‘Blessed’. Romero will be ‘canonised’ on 14 October 2018. He will become known as ‘Saint Oscar Romero’.
Civil war After Romero’s death, there was a civil war in El Salvador. Many people were killed. After Romero’s death, there was a civil war in El Salvador. Many people were killed.
El Salvador today In 1992, the civil war ended. The people of El Salvador are working hard to rebuild communities and make a better future. In 1992, the civil war ended. The people of El Salvador are working hard to rebuild communities and make a better future.
CAFOD projects in El Salvador CAFOD supports projects in El Salvador. Many people there are brave and dedicated, like Romero. We can learn from them. Find out more about projects that CAFOD funds in our award-winning El Salvador Geography pack at cafod.org.uk/geography CAFOD supports projects in El Salvador. Many people there are brave and dedicated, like Romero. We can learn from them.
Jacqueline’s story Jacqueline, 10 years old El Salvador This is Jacqueline’s story. Jacqueline is 10 years old and lives with her family in the west of El Salvador. When Jacqueline was little, her family barely had enough to get by. With your help, CAFOD have been supporting her family for many years, so they can have the things they need to grow their way out of poverty. Through training, Jacqueline’s family have learned how to grow their own seeds as well as better ways to grow food. They now grow more than 40 crops and have what they need. What a success story!
Let us pray... Let us pray together: Loving God, We thank you for the brave example of Oscar Romero. Give us the courage to speak out when something isn’t right and help us to grow in love so that we too may become saints. May we work together for a fair and just world, bringing your love to everyone. Amen Let us pray together… All: Loving God, We thank you for the brave example of Oscar Romero. Give us the courage to speak out when something isn’t right and help us to grow in love so that we too may become saints. May we work together for a fair and just world, bringing your love to everyone. Amen
Photographs: Equipo Maiz Claudia Torres CAFOD Find out more about El Salvador and our work there at: cafod.org.uk/geography