Archbishop of San Salvador, he became the voice of the poor and oppressed amid violence and civil conflict. Calling for an end to the killing, he was shot and martyred at the altar while celebrating Mass.
Life
Óscar Romero was born in 1917 in Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador. After studies in Rome and ordination, he served for many years as a faithful parish priest and diocesan worker, and in 1977 he was named Archbishop of San Salvador.
That same year his friend Father Rutilio Grande was murdered. From then on Archbishop Romero stood openly with the poor and the oppressed, denouncing violence and the abuse of human rights. His Sunday homilies, broadcast by radio across the country, gave hope to many.
On March 24, 1980, he was shot dead while celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel. Pope Francis canonized him on October 14, 2018.
Spirituality
Romero's spirituality is courage flowing from the Gospel. By nature a quiet and careful priest, he was changed in prayer as he faced the suffering of his people. Defending the poor was for him not politics but a response to God's love, and for that love he gave his life.
Reflection
Saint Romero gave his life at the altar, showing that the Mass and daily life are one. How is the Eucharist I receive moving me toward the vulnerable people around me today?