by Joshua J. McElwee
Today is Oscar Romero's day.
31 years ago this day the popular Salvadoran archbishop was murdered while celebrating Mass.
As we went about editing and posting reflections from Scott Wright and Jesuit Fr. Dean Brackley to mark the day, I couldn't help but hear the words from the archbishop's last speech over and over in my mind.
A day before his brutal death, Romero made a vocal outcry over the bloody U.S.-backed civil war in his country, calling upon Christians in the army to stop the bloodshed.
"The Church, the defender of the rights of God, of the law of God, of the dignity of the human person, cannot remain silent before so much abomination. We want the government seriously to consider that reforms mean nothing when they come bathed in so much blood," said Romero.
"Therefore, in the name of God, and in the name of this long-suffering people, whose laments rise to heaven every day more tumultuous, I beseech you, I beg you, I command you in the name of God: ‘Stop the repression!’"
It's a haunting statement. Musician Charlie King puts it to beautiful in the song 'Romero.' Have a listen by clicking play on the box at the right. Let's mark Romero's day together.
