Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Salvador (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church has urged Salvadorans to pray for promoting the beatification of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, and called in a special way to have respect for the figure of the assassinated Archbishop, so as not to influence on his process of beatification. "If someone is canonized, it is because God wills it," said the Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas of San Salvador, referring to the process of beatification underway at the Vatican.
During a press conference, he informed that the case "is very far along," but no one knows "how long it will take still" before Archbishop Romero is declared Blessed. The Arcbishop was assassinated March 24, 1980 while celebrating Mass in the Church of Divine Providence. "We would have liked that on a day like this we would be able to give everyone the good news that Archbishop Romero was declared Blessed, but we still have no communication," said the Archbishop, recalling that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Romero.
In this context, he urged the faithful, "who pray to God through the intercession of Archbishop Romero," to pray for evidence of obtained graces, or favors, or even miracles. He also encouraged private devotion: "There can be no public worship for a person whose cause is still being studied in the Vatican, but there can be private devotion and it would be good that this continues to increase," he added. Archbishop Escobar Alas believes that the process of canonization should be carried out in a "serene" manner, without any "manifestation of social and political aspects."
The Truth Commission, which investigated crimes committed during the civil war in El Salvador (1980-1992), said in a report published in March 1993 that the murder of Archbishop Romero was ordained by Roberto D'Aubuisson, founder of the Republican Nationalist Alliance (of the extreme right politically speaking). Archbishop Romero, in whose honor a day of youth organized by the local Church will be held this year, denounced from the pulpit the injustices committed against the people and the murders perpetrated by "death squads" in the years preceding the conflict. The Bishops' Conference of El Salvador, which held their Ordinary Assembly last week, has called for this year to be a year of reflection, devotion, and peaceful coexistence, especially among young people. Many parishes in the capital are organizing daily prayer in memory of Archbishop Romero, which will conclude with a Mass in front of the Cathedral on March 20. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 29/01/2010)
