Blessed Rutilio Grande García

Biography

Blessed Rutilio Grande García, born on 5 July 1928 in El Paisnal, San Salvador, El Salvador, was the youngest of seven children in a poor family. His parents divorced when he was small, and he was raised by his grandmother and older brother. At the age of 12, Rutilio began attending a high school seminary in San Salvador, where his passion for the priesthood was ignited. He joined the Jesuits at the age of 17 and was ordained a priest on 30 July 1959.

During the 1960s, Father Rutilio found his calling as a priest, influenced by the teachings of Vatican II. He embraced the idea that his own spiritual growth would come through self-sacrifice for the betterment of others. With this perspective, he became the director of social action projects in San Salvador, focusing on serving the marginalized and impoverished communities. For nine years, he dedicated himself to teaching seminarians how to live and work among the poor, emphasizing the importance of integration and being a compassionate example of the Church's presence among them.

After his work at the seminary, Father Rutilio served as a parish priest and school teacher in Aguilares, El Salvador. It was during this time that his commitment and passion for social justice led to his tragic martyrdom. On 12 March 1977, while on his way to celebrate Saturday night Mass, Father Rutilio was shot and killed by Salvadoran security forces. His murder was a shocking event that foreshadowed the violent years of the civil war to come.

Father Rutilio's death served as a wake-up call to many, including his close friend Saint Oscar Romero, who later acknowledged that it was the murder of Blessed Rutilio that awakened his own commitment to the cause of the Salvadoran people. Father Rutilio's sacrificial life and untimely death became a catalyst for change, inspiring others to fight for justice and advocate for the rights of the marginalized.

In recognition of his martyrdom, Father Rutilio Grande García was venerated on 21 February 2020 by Pope Francis, who declared him blessed. On 22 January 2022, Pope Francis officially beatified him in a ceremony held at Plaza Divino Salvador del Mundo in San Salvador. The beatification was presided over by Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez.

Blessed Rutilio Grande García, a true servant of God, remains an inspiration to all who strive for social justice and compassion in their own lives. His memory continues to remind us of the importance of selflessness, sacrifice, and dedication to the marginalized and oppressed, especially in times of great adversity.