Saint Oscar Romero
1917-1980
The model for bishop in the ancient church was a shepherd who walked before his people through whatever dangers they might face. He stood among the poor and the oppressed. And like many before him, he often died a martyr.
While medieval bishops became princes and many modern bishops become bureaucratic administrators, the bishop as pastor is reappearing in the church. Oscar Romero was such a bishop. Although the wealthy class called him a friend of the revolution, he was a peacemaker. He knew that simply ending rebel violence would not end the greater violence induced by poverty and hunger. Society had to be restructured so that children would not die of malnutrition and disease while their parents could not find decent work. Though he encouraged peaceful reform, where violence was unavoidable, he worked to overcome the spirit of hatred and vengeance.
He risked his own life as he defended the poor and oppressed. He walked among the people and listened. “I am a shepherd,” he said,” who, with his people, has begun to learn a beautiful and difficult truth: our Christian faith requires that we submerge ourselves in this world.” Killed by an assassin’s bullet as he celebrated Mass on March 24, 1980, his last words described the grain of wheat that must die in order to bear fruit. Like his Savior, he died poor, forgiving his murderers. He was buried in the cathedral where he had preached justice. And now people from many nations come to his tomb to find strength in their struggle.
A New Saint!
On Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 3:30am EST, Blessed Oscar Romero officially became “Saint Oscar Romero!” That weekend at Romero Center Ministries, student groups from Xaverian High School (Brooklyn, NY) and Misericordia University (Dallas, PA) were participating in the Urban Challenge service retreat. As the students and their chaperones joined the local community of St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral parish for Mass on Sunday, the congregation was treated to the insights and reflections of our own ministry staff member, Richard Nalen. In a reflection after Communion, Richard recalled the importance of the life of Oscar Romero, and how his witness of living the Gospel in El Salvador almost 40 years ago has inspired our program in Camden, NJ, as guests from across the United States continue to join in our programming. Richard made beautiful connections between the life of Oscar Romero and Fr. Jamie’s homily, which called us to reflect on the many small movements of God in our lives.
Romero Reflections
For two weeks following the canonization of Saint Oscar Romero, Romero Center Ministries was proud to welcome guests from around the area to listen to reflections on the life and impact of St. Oscar Romero. These “Romero Reflections” were held on separate occasions, these events were offered in Spanish and in English. The audiences gathered in prayer before talks from Father Rene Canales and Deacon Omar Aguilar, both from Romero’s home country of El Salvador. Deacon Omar recounted coming to the United States as a young man, only to hear news from friends at home about the revitalized faith that Romero was breathing into the country and the people of El Salvador. Father Rene shared his recollections of growing up in El Salvador, and the purely electric way in which Salvadoran’s would burst with joy and hope as they would listen to Romero’s homilies broadcast on the radio. Participatory crowds gathered before the two speakers, extending the events with thoughtful questions and a warm sense of community.
We can’t do it without you
Romero Center Ministries relies on supporters like you to ensure that we remain a place that invites “actions on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world.” (U.S. Catholic Bishops, 1971).
All donations to Romero Center Ministries are fully tax-deductible.
You may also mail donations payable to Romero Center Ministries to:
St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral
Romero Center Ministries
2907 Federal Street
Camden, NJ 08105