Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero Y Galdámez

Biography

Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero Y Galdámez, also known as Saint Óscar Romero, was born on 15 August 1917 in Ciudad Barrios, San Miguel, El Salvador. He was the second of seven children born to Santo Romero and Guadalupe de Jesus Galdamez. Romero was ordained as a priest on 4 April 1942 in Rome, Italy. After his ordination, Romero held various positions within the Catholic Church. In 1943, he became the parish priest of Anamoros, La Union, El Salvador. In 1944, he served as the secretary to the diocese of San Miguel, El Salvador. Romero's journey within the Church continued, and on 25 April 1970, he was appointed as the auxiliary bishop of San Salvador, El Salvador, and titled bishop of Tambeae. Throughout his career, Romero found himself at odds with many fellow priests who were opposed to the repressive El Salvadorian government and aligned with leftist ideologies. Initially, Romero was considered a conservative man and cleric by nature. However, as he witnessed the suffering and oppression of the poor and marginalized in his country, his views began to shift. On 15 October 1974, Romero became the Bishop of Santiago de Maria, El Salvador. But it was after his appointment as the Archbishop of San Salvador on 3 February 1977 that Romero's transformation became more evident. He realized that the ruling class had little concern for the rest of the population and was driven to violently repress any opposition. Romero became a vehement advocate for the cause of the poor and oppressed, always staying true to his vocation as a priest. He fearlessly spoke out against injustice, human rights abuses, and violence that plagued El Salvador during that time. Romero's sermons, broadcasted through radio and television, became a source of hope for the marginalized and an inspiration for those seeking justice. Tragically, on the morning of 24 March 1980, while celebrating Mass in the chapel of La Divina Providencia Hospital in San Salvador, Romero was shot and killed by a government-affiliated death squad. His martyrdom solidified his role as a symbol of resistance and hope in the face of oppression. After years of admiration and veneration by the people, Romero was officially recognized on 3 February 2015 as a martyr by Pope Francis. On 23 May 2015, he was beatified by Pope Francis in a ceremony held at Plaza Divino Salvador del Mundo in San Salvador, El Salvador, with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Causes of the Saints, as the chief celebrant. Finally, on 14 October 2018, Pope Francis canonized Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero Y Galdámez at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. He is venerated as a saint and is the patron of Caritas Internationalis (chosen on 17 May 2015) and World Youth Day 2019. Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero Y Galdámez's life stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the defense of the marginalized. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the world in their pursuit of social justice and compassion for the less fortunate.