What St. Óscar Romero taught me about transforming my suffering
St. Óscar Romero
Birthplace: Ciudad Barrios, San Miguel, El Salvador
Born: August 15, 1917
Died: March 24, 1980 (age 63)
Feast Day: March 24
(Unofficial) Patron saint of: Christian communicators, the Americas and El Salvador
Fun fact: St. Óscar Romero was inspired in his life’s work by Fr. Rutilio Grande who was recently beatified on January 22, 2022
Most known for: his radio homilies that gave hope to the people of El Salvador during a time of widespread violence and human rights violations
Famous quote:
"There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried."
the story of how st. Óscar Romero transformed his suffering for good
St. Óscar Romero was a timid man. But he was forever changed when his friend, a fellow priest named Fr. Rutilio Grande, was murdered for vigorously defending the rights of the poor in El Salvador.A few weeks before his friend was murdered, Óscar Romero was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador because he seemed to be the least outspoken and a “safe” choice. Civil war loomed in the late 1970’s in El Salvador with widespread violence and human rights violations being the norm. It was thought Archbishop Romero would keep the status quo.
Shaken and inspired by his friend’s murder, Óscar Romero began to publicly denounce violence and social injustice, urging people to live out Christ’s Gospel message of love for neighbor. His radio homilies soon became famous and a source of hope for the poor and oppressed across El Salvador - no one would miss tuning in.
And it was all catalyzed when Romero personally experienced the unthinkable suffering of losing a friend to murder. Because this friend spoke up for the oppressed. It inspired Romero to be a champion for the oppressed, too.
That suffering
Allowed
His eyes
To be
Opened.
He became an Archbishop in 1977. He was assassinated while celebrating mass in 1980. He had never spoken out publicly against injustice until the last 3 years of his life. And he left behind an incredible legacy. This gives me hope - great things are always possible. We need only to begin.
St. Óscar Romero, patron saint of Christian communicators, El Salvador, The Americas, and persecuted Christians, pray for us.
How to honor St. ÓSCAR ROMERO on his feast day
eat a meal typical to el salvador
Enjoy traditional El Salvadorian dishes like pupusas or tamales.
transform your own suffering
St. Óscar Romero experienced shocking trauma and deep suffering when he lost his friend Fr. Rutilio Grande to murder for speaking up against the injustices in his country.
By choosing to speak out against these same injustices even though it meant certain danger of his own life, St. Óscar Romero brought untold hope to the people of El Salvador.
Reflect:
What does it mean to live like St. Óscar Romero? What’s a powerful lesson you only learned after experiencing intense suffering? How were you changed by it?
Act:
How is God calling you to transform your suffering and use it for good?
download this coloring page
Meditate on the beauty of Christ by coloring this traditional El Salvadorian cross.
Download our Lenten Guide to access the coloring page.
