Oscar Romero Essay

Christian history has urgent relevance for us today. More Christians died for their faith in the 20th century that all other centuries of church history combined. Like Jesus, they died at the hands of their executors, they died for their people, while forgiving and asking God to hasten the moment of their reconciliation. Even in their final hour, these martyrs cried out and asked that peace and reconciliation may soon be a reality among all people. Born on August 15th 1917, Oscar Romero was sent to study for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained in April 1942. He embraced a simple lifestyle and was a popular preacher who responded with real compassion to the plight of the poor. He gave dedicated pastoral service to the diocese of San

Archbishop Romero became the voice of the poor. He spoke the truth in a land of cover-ups, denounced the killings, and demanded justice for the atrocities being committed by the army and police. Archbishop Romero set up legal aid projects and programs to support the victims of violence, however guerrilla groups and civil war loomed. In spite of promoting peaceful solutions, he was harassed by security forces and publicly opposed by several episcopal colleagues. Death threats multiplied, and Archbishop Romero realized his life was marked and he was going to be killed. He came to accept the

In 1980, Archbishop Romero promised history that life, not death would have the last word, “I do not believe in death without resurrection, he said. “If they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvador people.” Archbishop Romero gave his last homily on March 24th, moments before he was killed by a single marksman’s bullet. He fell at the foot of a huge crucifix. Thirty five years later, he was declared a martyr, killed out of hatred of the faith, and was beautified on May 23rd,