Saint Oscar Romero: The Fearless Defender of Human Rights

Saint Oscar Romero, also known as Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez, is the patron saint of El Salvador. Born on August 15th, 1917, in Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador, Saint Romero was ordained as a priest in 1942 and later became the Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977.

Throughout his life, Saint Romero was a fearless defender of human rights, particularly in the face of oppression and injustice. He spoke out against poverty, social inequality, and government corruption, and his advocacy for the marginalized and oppressed earned him both friends and enemies.

Oscar Romero was initially considered to be a conservative priest and was appointed as Archbishop in part because of his perceived loyalty to the government. However, as he witnessed the suffering and injustice inflicted on the people of El Salvador, he became increasingly radicalized and dedicated himself to social justice. Romero also had a close relationship with Jesuit priest Rutilio Grande, who was assassinated in 1977 for his work with poor farmers. Grande's death deeply affected Saint Romero and played a significant role in his own transformation. He became a vocal critic of the violent activities of government armed forces, right-wing groups, and leftist guerrillas involved in El Salvador’s civil conflict.

Saint Oscar Romero was assassinated on March 24th, 1980, while celebrating Mass in the chapel of the Divine Providence Hospital. His murder was carried out by a government-sponsored death squad, and it served as a catalyst for the Salvadoran Civil War, which lasted until 1992.

Despite the dangers he faced, Saint Romero refused to back down from his commitment to social justice and human rights. In fact, his assassination made him a symbol of courage and inspiration for many people around the world who continue to work for justice and peace.

Saint Oscar Romero was a courageous and inspiring figure who dedicated his life to fighting for social justice and defending the rights of the oppressed. 

He was beatified on May 23rd, 2015, and canonized on October 14th, 2018, by Pope Francis. His feast day is celebrated on March 24th, the anniversary of his death.

In addition to being a patron saint of El Salvador, Saint Oscar Romero is also the patron saint of Christian broadcasters and journalists. He is remembered for his eloquent and passionate sermons, which he used to speak truth to power and to call for justice for the oppressed.