Remembering Monsignor Óscar Romero: El Salvador’s Voice of Resistance

San Salvador, El Salvador — Every year on March 24, the people of El Salvador and beyond honor the legacy of Monsignor Óscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador, who was assassinated in 1980. This year marks the anniversary of his death, which coincides with the celebration of his Saint’s Day, declared by Pope Francis in 2018.

Romero’s voice echoed in the troubled times of late 1970s El Salvador, a nation teetering on the brink of civil war and engulfed in violence, often at the hands of a US-supported authoritarian regime. During this turbulent period, death squads infamous for their brutality were reportedly responsible for the deaths of approximately 800 individuals each month.

In his sermons, Monsignor Romero emerged as a powerful advocate for the marginalized, urging an end to state-sponsored violence. “I, too, have to walk the same path,” he said, referring to his friend, Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande, who was murdered shortly after Romero became archbishop in 1977. Grande’s commitment to liberation theology and human rights had made him a target of the regime.

Romero’s transformation from a reserved cleric to a vocal critic of the government was ignited by the shocking violence surrounding him. He began to publicly confront the injustices faced by the poor and vulnerable, using his platform to advocate for social justice during his Sunday masses that were broadcast across Central America.

In his final sermon on March 23, 1980, Romero addressed soldiers and the general public directly from the altar, declaring, “The law of God that says ‘thou shalt not kill’ must prevail.” He issued a powerful call to action, urging the military to halt the repression: “In the name of God, stop the repression!” The next day, as he delivered mass, he was fatally shot at the altar.

Romero’s assassination sparked outrage both nationally and internationally. Described as a martyr and a hero, he has been remembered as ‘La voz de la sin voz’—the voice of the voiceless. His powerful message continues to resonate, inspiring marches and movements throughout the Americas.

On March 24, audiences will gather across various venues to commemorate his legacy through prayer, music, and speeches. Activists advocate for Romero’s call for justice and his message against violence to remain alive in contemporary struggles for peace and equality.

As communities reflect on the profound impact of Monsignor Romero, they also remember the cruel realities of the past that shaped the political landscape of El Salvador. Advocacy for social justice and the protection of human rights remain at the forefront of national discourse, as many still face challenges in their quest for truth and reconciliation.

Romero’s influence continues to extend beyond borders, serving as a beacon of hope for those resisting oppression. His life and message remain deeply relevant today as people strive for social change and justice amidst ongoing forms of violence and inequality.