Oscar Romero1917 - 1980

Credit: CAFOD

Oscar Romero was born on 15 August 1917 in El Salvador, Central America.

When he left school he became a carpenter, but soon decided he wanted to become a priest.

An ordinary person

El Salvador at the time

A few rich families owned lots of land.

Most people were poor and earned very little.

People became very angry at this unfairness but the rich were very powerful.

People who complained were put in prison or even killed.

In 1977 Oscar Romero became the Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital.He was a quiet, shy man and nobody thought he would speak out about how poor people were being treated.They thought he would be too afraid.

A quiet man

Romero’s friend, Fr. Rutilio Grande, worked with poor communities. He spoke out about how unfair things were and demanded better living conditions for poor people.For this he was shot dead.His death upset and angered Romero, who insisted his death be investigated. This never happened.

A friend’s influence

“Many would like the poor to keep on saying it is God’s will for them to live that way. But it is not God’s will for some to have everything and others to have nothing. That cannot be of God.”

A voice for the voicelessRomero stopped being a quiet man and told the truth about what was happening to poor people in his country. In weekly sermons on the radio he spoke out against the violence.

Even though he was afraid that he would be killed, his strong faith in God helped

him carry on.

“If they kill me, I will rise again in the

Salvadorian people”

A brave man

On 23 March 1980, Oscar Romero appealed on the radio for soldiers

and police officers to stop repressing the people.

The next day, as he celebrated Mass, a car drove up and a shot was fired

through the open church door.

Oscar Romero was killed.

Caritas Australia partners continue working for justice in El Salvador alongside the poor.

Caritas Australia in El Salvador

Through his life and through his death, Oscar Romero remains a powerful example and inspiration for all who believe in working for justice.

fact

challenge

Millions are voiceless in their struggle against injustice.

Speak out. Write a letter. Join a campaign.

How can I use my freedom of speech to speak out against injustice?action

be

avoice

God of JusticeGive me the courage to

raise my voice in solidarity withthose facing injustice.‘ ’

silence is consentsilence is consent

be

just

God of JusticeGive me the determination

to continue to workfor a just world.‘ ’

“Overcoming poverty is not

a gesture of charity, it is an

act of justice.” Nelson Mandela

Join/Start a social justice group. Buy fairtrade. Own your actions.

factThe richest 10% of the world controls 89% of the world’s wealth. The poorest 10% controls less than 1%. (UNU-WIDER)

challengeHow can I be just in my daily actions?action

beaware

God of JusticeGive me the resolve to seek out the truth.’‘

“Do we help the poor if we do not ask

why they are poor? ”

Dom Helder Camara

factWe read, watch and hear breaking news 24 hours a daychallengeHow do I find out about the issues facing my brothers and sisters?actionBe informed. Get involved.Seek the truth.

bein

God of JusticeGive me courage to stand beside

those fighting for justice.’‘

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Mother Teresasolidarity

Stand up for justice. Think globally. Act locally.

factWe are all part of one human family.

challenge How can I stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised?

action

begreen

God of JusticeGive me the spirit to be more

rather than to have more.’‘

“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the

difference. My little thing is planting trees.” Wangari Maathai

(First African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize)

Rethink. Reduce. Reuse.Recycle. Repair.

fact

challengeWill I consider the implications my actions have on the environment?action

Exploitation of resources, often by the powerful few, has irrevocably changed our world.

begiving

God of JusticeMay I be generous with what you have freely given

so my sisters and brothers can live life to the full.’‘

“Every time we share our goods with our neighbour in need,

we discover that the fullness of life comes from love.”

Adapted from Pope Benedict XVI Lenten Message 2008

fact“The earth belongs to everyone, not just to the rich.” St Ambrose

challengeHow can I give of mytime, my resourcesand my life?

actionSupport the work ofCaritas Australia.Share your talents.Volunteer.

Picture creditsSean SpragueEquipo MaizCAFODCaritas Australia

Last updated Jan 2012

The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development