York: special Mass marks Oscar Romero anniversary
On Monday evening , some 50 people gathered in the medieval church of Saint Martin-le-Grand in York for a celebration of Mass to mark the 29th anniversary of the martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador. The Church, first built around 1000 was bombed during the second world war. It was partially re-built and then re-dedicated in 1968 as: "a shrine of rememberance for all who died in two wars, a chapel of peace and
reconciliation between nations and men".
The Mass, organised by local people with the help of the Diocesan CAFOD worker, was celebrated by Fr Tony Lester from the local Carmelite community at More House. In the introduction to the Mass he made reference to the reality that martyrdom was an ongoing reality in the life of the Church - St Martin-le-Grand is the church where Saint Margaret Clitheroe was baptised and where she was married.
Special thanks was expressed to Rev Sue Norton, priest-in-charge who, along with church warden Andrew Hingston had done everything possible to make everyone feel welcome and at home for the celebration.
The York Mass is only one of many such events taking place around Britain to remember and celebrate the memory of this great Gaudium et Spes bishop.