Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Salvador (Agenzia Fides) – Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday, March 20, in the capital city of San Salvador to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, known as "the voice of the voiceless." The President of El Salvador, Mauricio Funes, apologizing on behalf of previous governments that have refused to investigate the assassination of Romero, said: "The official culture has ignored for thirty years, or at least tried to ignore the work and prophetic words of Archbishop Romero. Now, this government wants to repair this historic mistake and wants to publicly recognize the legacy of Archbishop Romero. The government was the only one lacking in this national effort." Today, the anniversary date, a large crowd of faithful from different parts of the country will go to the hospital chapel where Archbishop Romero was assassinated. The National Archbishop Romero Committee (in charge of the celebration), chaired by Father Trinidad de Jesús Nieto, announced that the pilgrimage organized will make its way towards the Cathedral and there will be 3 moments of reflection, to remember the teachings and words of Archbishop Romero. The Archdiocese has published a special section on its website with all the activities for this occasion, with the title “XXX Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Archbishop Romero.”
In Brazil, the Secretary General of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops' Conference (CNBB), Bishop Dimas Lara Barbosa, invited the Ambassador of El Salvador in Brazil, Mrs. Rina del Socorro Rojas, to the Mass to be celebrated in the Chapel of Our Lady Aparecida, at the headquarters of the CNBB, for the 30th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Romero.
In the United States of America, Los Angeles, where the Salvadoran community is the largest of any country, will host several activities for this occasion, including processions, cultural events, the showing of a documentary on the life of the Archbishop, and the celebration of a Solemn Mass.
Chile is holding a week of celebrations, including a conference of socio-political, economic, and ecclesial analysis entitled "Walking the Streets of Latin America." Wednesday, March 24 at 7:30pm, the Bishop of Melipilla, Bishop Enrique Troncoso, will celebrate a Mass to commemorate the tragic death of the pastor of El Salvador. The Bishops' Conference has also opened a section of its website for the occasion. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 24/03/2010)
