Archbishop Romero remembered in Delhi

In 1997 he was bestowed made a Servant of God, opening a cause for his beatification and canonization.

New Delhi:  Diplomats and officials joined Catholics in New Delhi Cathedral to remember Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador as a champion of justice and peace on the 34 anniversary of his assassination.

At the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Archbishop Emeritus Vincent Concessao invited the congregation to emulate the example of the archbishop's heroic life and faith.

In a milieu of exploitation, oppression and violent repression that was orchestrated by the rich and the powerful, Archbishop Romero led a life of solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable, and advocated justice and non-violence, said Archbishop Concessao.

He lauded Archbishop Romero’s appeal to the El Salvadorian armed forces to give precedence to the law of God over their superiors’ orders to kill.

The mass and gathering on March 24 commemorated the anniversary of Archbishop Romero’s assassination. The Romero day observance was organized by that the Office for Justice Peace and Development of the Catholic bishops, along with the El Salvadorian Embassy in New Delhi. They have organized such a day since 2011.

El Salvadorian ambassador to India Gigermo Rubio welcomed the gathering including diplomats from various other embassies.

Fr Charles Irudayam, secretary of the CBCI Office for Justice, Peace and Development, recalled that Archbishop was assassinated because he was a prophetic witness to Gospel values.

He hoped that the commemoration of Archbishop Romero’s martyrdom would foster in the people a passionate commitment to the cause of justice.

In 1997 he was bestowed made a Servant of God, opening a cause for his beatification and canonization.

Press Release