Cristosal Honors St. Oscar Romero on 45th Anniversary of Martyrdom
Cristosal, an Episcopal-affiliated nonprofit, recently hosted a pilgrimage in El Salvador to honor St. Oscar Romero, the country's renowned human rights defender, on the 45th anniversary of his martyrdom. The event, attended by 14 Americans, paid tribute to Romero's life and teachings, which continue to resonate in the face of global humanitarian crises.
Fátima Placas, a former Cristosal education director, led the pilgrimage, emphasizing Romero's deep connection with the people and his advocacy for the poor. The group visited key sites, including the Hospital of the Divine Providence where Romero was assassinated on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass. Tragically, his funeral was also targeted by gunmen, resulting in at least 31 fatalities.
Romero, a champion of liberation theology, brought global attention to the human rights abuses during El Salvador's civil war. His teachings and advocacy remain relevant today, as Cristosal continues to defend human rights and promote democratic rule of law in Central America. However, the organization has faced challenges, with the Trump administration's foreign aid freeze forcing Cristosal to cut most of its staff and terminate its humanitarian assistance program for internally displaced people.
The pilgrimage served as a poignant reminder of Romero's legacy and the ongoing importance of his teachings. Despite challenges, Cristosal remains committed to its mission, operating humanitarian assistance programs in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, providing legal and accompaniment services to those whose human rights have been violated.
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