San Salvador, El Salvador: Oscar Romero began his tenure as the Archbishop of El Salvador in 1977, in the midst of the country’s civil war. Although he was generally regarded as a conservative, he vocalized a radical position against the human rights violations of the military government and also adhered to liberation theology. Romero was assassinated while performing mass in a local San Salvadorian church on March 24, 1980. It is widely accepted that members of military death squads, many of whom had been trained by the United States’ School of the Americas were responsible. His death drew international attention to the political conditions in El Salvador and his funeral was attended by millions. His crypt, and the chapel in which he was killed, are visited by locals and tourists alike.
I never thought that going to a place where a priest, an archbishop no less, was gunned down in a church inside a convent/convalescent compound by military officials during mass, while consecrating the host would actually feel peaceful and empowering. The nuns who tend the site are so dedicated to preserving his life and the effects of his work. It is amazing to see how much, 27 years later, the people of El Salvador still hold onto his memory and pray for his work to make a difference in their struggle. There is a mural on the wall outside the gate entrance that is unbelievably powerful, so political, anti government/church hierarchy, pro people, with him right in the center. He was their savior. They believe he has the power or at least his memory still has the power to make change. How could you not be moved to stand up for what’s right, for justice when you see how much of a difference one man’s actions can make?