Oscar Romero

Oscar Arnulfo Romero

" Remembering a Hero "

You can only describe him as a man of determination.   Someone who demonstrates

extraordinary courage in the face of injustice and inhumanity.   He had a resolute intent to do what is

right, true, and just, which made him the Archbishop that people remember and make movies about.

Because of him, the world was informed about basic human rights and dignities and how this was being

ignored in his country of El Salvador.   He took it upon himself to use the church as a light of hope to

the oppressed and a challenge to the oppressors.

Oscar Romero was born in 1917 and taken away in 1980.   He was appointed Archbishop in

1977.   Before he served his term, the Church in Central America was being protested by two

political ideals.   One was those priests who wanted non-confrontation with the Church and the state.

And those who thought the Church should have say in the government and what it was doing.

Romero was chosen because he was thought to be a "middle man" whom all could agree with.

Although, soon after being appointed Romero's close, personal friend Father Rutillo Grande was

assassinated by the government's soldiers.   Obviously, this had a significant and intense effect on his

life, changing him from a moderate and equal lookout to a   ferocious and impetuous activist against

injustice.   His dramatic and passionate change in view shows how if you put your mind behind what you

believe you can touch people's lives and really get things done.   As a gesture to his dead friend,

Romero refused to appear in any public ceremonies with Army or Government personnel until he

thought the true nature of his friend's murder was brought to public attention and desired social

changes were noticeable.   Never before had a church official, with such high rank, made such a

statement.  

After he delt with the death of a close religious friend he experienced the loss of a close

social friend, Lucia. These two knew each... [continues]

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