Oscar Romero remembered © Centro Monseñor Romero/ UCA

At this time of year we celebrate the resurrection, the power of life over death and of hope over despair. We also remember the single biggest protest in El Salvador's history.

This was not about hikes in bus fares or water privatisation. Nor did it call for an end to gold mining or action on health care. This protest was about the right to justice and peace.

The event in question was Archbishop Oscar Romero's funeral. On March 30th, 1980, a quarter of a million mourners gathered in the small city of San Salvador to pay their respects to a true friend of the poor. And to tell the world this was one death too many.

Oscar Romero had been murdered just six days earlier as he celebrated Mass. He had been the Archbishop of San Salvador since 1977 and presided over a turbulent period in the country's already fractious history. By 1980, tensions between government forces and the Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation (FMLN) had reached breaking point.

The ensuing civil war - which raged until 1992 - left more than 75,000 people dead. People of faith and missionaries from the US and Europe, who were living and working in solidarity with the people of El Salvador, were targeted by the government forces.

But the majority were the "suffering people" - ordinary poor Salvadorians who sought a more just society and hope for their children. Instead of hope, they were killed in a climate of suffocating political repression. 

During these difficult times, the Church became a pillar of support for the poor - listening to people's experiences and helping to voice their concerns. This was reflected in Romero's own personal journey. In the words of Jesuit José Maria Tojeira:

"The martyrdom of Monseñor Romero grew out of the solidarity with his people. We can say today that it was the poor, the simple and humble people who evangelised Monseñor Romero, feeding his prophetic strength and giving him peace in the generous and bloody dedication of his life."

Every week in his homilies, Romero would reflect on recent events. He would often mention the violence, killing and human rights abuses that were ever-present in the communities he served.

At a time when the national media rarely reported, and frequently distorted, news concerning the poor, popular organisations and the Church, the Archbishop was able to inform a public eager to know what was happening. His homilies were broadcast nationally by the Church radio station, reaching 70 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of the urban.

Romero always had plenty to say. He was kept informed by his far-reaching sources and even took to reading out the names of those who had disappeared or been killed, collected from scraps of paper pressed into his hands by their families.

Prior to his death, Romero had become increasingly vocal about the escalating violence. He made his final, impassioned plea on 23 March 1980. It was a direct appeal to the army and the police to disobey their orders to kill. "In the name of God. And in the name of this suffering people… I beg you, I ask you, I order you in the name of God: Stop the repression!"

The next day he celebrated Mass in the chapel of the Hospital of the Divine Providence. Just as he had finished his homily and invited the people to pray, a single shot rang out from the chapel doorway. Romero slumped to the floor and died soon after.

Today, for many in Latin America and all over the world, 'Saint' Romero lives on. He is an icon for the poor in El Salvador and elsewhere, fearlessly championing their cause in the face of adversity.
 
Romero was also a deeply spiritual man with a profound faith that took him to martyrdom. Although aware he was in danger, he pushed ahead with what he saw as his final service to the people. Romero spoke of his death as being "for the liberation of my people, and as a witness of hope in what is to come".

Sadly, Romero's hopes for the future took some time to materialise. It was a further 12 years until the peace accord was signed and El Salvador was able to close a bitter chapter in its history.

Since then, the country has been slowly rebuilding. Its infrastructure has come on leaps and bounds and a new sense of trust has improved relations between the different political factions.

Which reminds me of the two district mayors I met when I visited El Salvador a few years ago. Though on opposing sides during the civil war, both were now committed to working together for the good of their country. And both sang Romero's praises.

Here is a man of deep faith and courage, based on his love of God and a desire for justice and humanity for all. As we celebrate our Hopeful faith this Easter, may we be inspired and moved by Romero to dedicate ourselves more fully to the service of the poor. That way we can all be, in the words of Romero, "prophets of a future not our own".

Progressio is proud to be supporting the Romero Trust's ecumenical service for Romero which will be held in London on 29 March. Further details can be found on the Romero Trust website (opens in a new window).

Christine Allen is Progressio's Executive Director.