Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero.
On March 24, El Salvador commemorates the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero—a date engraved in the hearts of Salvadorans as a powerful reminder of faith, justice, and courage.
On the eve of the anniversary, hundreds of Catholic faithful began arriving at the crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador to commemorate the 45th anniversary of his martyrdom.
The San Salvador archdiocese has organized a series of events at the Metropolitan Cathedral, including pilgrimages and presentations that will address social issues as the martyr did.
Today’s celebratory activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. with thanksgiving at the saint’s mausoleum, along with prayers, pilgrimages, and testimonies. There will also be free poetry and singing.
An “Impact of Metal Mining” presentation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., followed by the pilgrimage and testimonies at noon.
At noon, a Mass will be celebrated in the main nave of the Metropolitan Cathedral, while at 2:00 p.m., a second presentation is scheduled, entitled “What’s Happening to Our Common Home?”
A flute and violin concert will follow in the afternoon, while another Mass is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
Saint Romero’s legacy keeps inspiring new generations who see him as a symbol of hope and a fighter against oppression.
Saint Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, became an outspoken voice for the voiceless during one of the country’s darkest periods, the late 1970s.
Amid political violence and social injustice, Archbishop Romero used his homilies and radio broadcasts to denounce human rights abuses, defend people experiencing poverty, and call for peace.
His unwavering stance made him a beacon of moral strength among Salvadorans—ultimately, a target to the people in power.
On March 24, 1980, a sniper assassinated Archbishop Romero while he was celebrating Mass at the Chapel of Divine Providence Hospital. His death shocked the world but solidified his place as a national and spiritual hero.
Saint Romero is more than a religious figure to Salvadorans—he symbolizes dignity, justice, and fearless compassion.
In 2018, Pope Francis canonized Romero, formally recognizing him as Saint Oscar Romero and forever enshrining him in the hearts of the Salvadoran people.
As El Salvador marks this important anniversary, his message lives on—a guiding light reminding the nation that peace is possible when love and justice prevail over fear and violence.
