Who was Monsignor Romero, his fight for the poor and why did he die at the altar?

The sacrament of the present moment, also known as "hic et nunc" or "here and now" is a classic theological concept. It emphasizes finding God TODAY. Not yesterday or tomorrow. Today. You can find him in whatever you do, wherever you are, however you feel. Every moment, whether pleasant or difficult, is seen as an opportunity to accept or reject God, welcoming his call to "accept responsibility for enabling others to achieve shared purpose in the face of uncertainty", as Marshall Ganz would define leadership.

Being present allows for improvement, acceptance, and forgiveness, as exemplified by Monsignor Romero, the saint of America, known for his advocacy for civil liberties in the 20th century, like his neighbor in Westminster Abbey, Martin Luther King Jr.

King and Romero were passionate about justice, showing love for poor people and hurting communities. They both sought a middle ground while others remained within comfortable margins; both were agents of reconciliation.

Finally, both were martyred for their message.

1. Who was Monsignor Romero?

Monsignor Romero was a strong advocate for human rights. He was born on August 15, 1917, in San Salvador, and passed away on March 24, 1980.

In one of his homilies, he emphasized the Church's mission to stand in solidarity with the poor, linking it to the Church's salvation.

He died at the age of 62 after being shot by a sniper while officiating a mass, making him one of the few saints in history to die during the Holy Mass.

His martyrdom was not only due to the circumstances of his death but also the lifelong struggle he endured.

Oscar Romero died at the altar, just as the offertory began, with the corporal open, ready to place the bread that would later become the body of Christ offered on the cross.

His powerful message about the grain of wheat dying to bear fruit was particularly poignant.

Today marks the 44th anniversary of Monsignor Romero's martyrdom, commemorating his dedication to justice and reconciliation through his life and leadership of the archdiocese.

2. He was "the voice of the voiceless"

He strongly condemned violence and human rights abuses by the government, particularly the killings carried out by death squads. Several of his priest friends were among the victims.

I was particularly impressed by the candor with which he spoke, saying, "A religion that only focuses on Sunday Mass but ignores injustices throughout the week does not please the Lord. A religion that involves much prayer but harbors hypocrisy in the heart is not truly Christian. A Church that prioritizes wealth and comfort over addressing injustices cannot be considered the true Church."

Monsignor Romero was canonized by Pope Francis on October 14, 2018. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of the Church standing with the needy and cited Monsignor Romero as an exemplary figure who sacrificed his life for the poor.

The apostolic exhortation "Evangelii nuntiandi" by Paul VI was also highlighted as a source of inspiration for Pope Francis, with its enduring relevance. Notable phrases from the document prompt us to contemplate the nature of progress, such as:

"The greed of individuals, families, and nations can take hold of both the most deprived and the richest, and arouse in both an overwhelming materialism."

"The exclusive pursuit of possession becomes an obstacle to the growth of being."

3. Monsignor Romero, Pope Francis, and our Christian duty

The canonization of Romero is consistent with the values of Pope Francis's papacy, as the first Latin American pope. He has expressed his desire for "a Church that is poor for the poor" and chose the name Francis to symbolize love for the poor, defense of peace, and creation.

As a Latin American pope, he has firsthand experience of the unique realities of the American continent, leading a simple, austere, and warm lifestyle close to the people.

The life and legacy of Monsignor Romero inspire us to continue advocating for justice and social equality. It prompts us to reflect on whether we are contributing to the solution or perpetuating the problem.

What concrete actions are we taking from our positions to support others?

As John Paul II once said during a visit to a disadvantaged neighborhood in Guayaquil: "Let no one rest... while there is a family without a home, a child without a school, a sick person without care..." We must actively work to move away from a culture of exclusion and ensure that no one is left behind.

Let's remember, every moment presents an opportunity to encounter God in the face of a migrant, a suffering friend, a weeping spouse, or an overlooked child.

4. Our call to serve the poorest

Here is a part of the admirable speech he gave which is considered his "prophetic testament":

"[...] The poor majorities of our country are oppressed and repressed daily by the economic and political structures of our country. Among us, the terrible words of the prophets of Israel continue to be true.

There are among us those who sell the righteous for money and the poor for a pair of sandals. Those who amass violence and plunder in their palaces, those who crush the poor.

Those who bring about a reign of violence, lie on beds of ivory. They join house to house and annex field to field until they occupy all the space and remain alone in the country. [...]

It is, therefore, a clear fact that our Church has been persecuted in the last three years. But the most important thing is to observe why it has been persecuted. It has not been any priest persecuted or any institution attacked.

It has been persecuted and attacked that part of the Church that has taken the side of the poor people and has come out in their defense.

And again we find here the key to understanding the persecution of the Church: the poor. Once again, it is the poor who make us understand what has really happened.

And therefore, the Church has understood persecution from the poor. Persecution has been caused by the defense of the poor and is nothing other than bearing the destiny of the poor [...]

The world of the poor with very concrete social and political characteristics teaches us where the Church must be incarnated to avoid false universalization that always ends in connivance with the powerful.

The world of the poor teaches us how Christian love should be, which certainly seeks peace, but unmasks false pacifism, resignation, and inactivity. It must certainly be gratuitous but must seek historical effectiveness."

5. What can we do?

Pope Paul VI once said, "You have heard the call of the suffering peoples. You who work to give them an answer are the apostles of authentic and true development, which does not consist of selfishly desired wealth for itself, but in an economy at the service of humanity. The daily bread distributed to all should serve as a source of fraternity and a sign of Providence."

Let us work together for everyone striving to help today, here and now.

May our work be a light for those who do not believe or have no hope.

Let us say together, "Monsignor Romero, pray for us!"