Archbishop Oscar Romero

Welcome to U.S. Catholic's rememberance of Archbishop Oscar Romero 

Oscar Romero

As the Archbishop of San Salvador during El Salvador's brutal civil war, Romero became the "bishop of the poor" for his work defending the Salvadoran people. After calling for international intervention to protect those being killed by government forces, Romero was assassinated on March 24, 1980.

Read more about Romero and his legacy both for El Salvador and the church in the following resources:

Who was Oscar Romero? Read about how Romero became convinced to take up the cause of poor Salvadorans in this short biography. (Originally from the "Called to repentence" resource below.)

¡Romero vive! In his March 2009 Margin Notes column, Kevin Clarke reflects on the meaning of the Salvadoran election 29 years after the death of Romero.

Romero Revisited: El Salvador 30 years later See El Salvador in 1985 and 2009 through the lens of Tom Hocker's camera.

News: Salvadoran bishops to write Vatican to support Romero's sainthood (February 8, 2010)

Do you hear the cry of the poor? "The greatest works of liberation theology are not written, they're lived in people such as Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador," says Michael Lee, a theology professor at Fordham University. Learn more about liberation theology in this interview with Lee, as well as in 5 Questions.

The Church: Called to repentance; called to prophecy

Originally released by Claretian Publications for the 20th anniversary of Romero's martyrdom in 2000, "The Church: Called to repentence; called to prophecy" can be used to celebrate the March 24 anniversary any year through liturgy or other events. Learn more How do I use this material?

Reflection questions: Quotes from Romero and questions to inspire reflection and discussion about his legacy today. 

Romero's wisdom: Prayers based on quotations from Romero

The Romero Liturgy: An opening reflection for a liturgy to honor Romero

Penitential Rite: Pray of repentance for the Romero liturgy

Readings: Readings, psalm, and a rite of commitment for the Romero liturgy

Homily help: How can you preach on these readings in the context of the anniversary of Romero's death.