Archbishop Oscar Romero - a Saint at last!

Bl Paul VI and Bl Oscar Romero

Ten days ago, at an ordinary consistory of cardinals held at the Vatican, Pope Francis told us that the canonisation of Archbishop Oscar Romero will happen in a ceremony in St Peter's Square on the morning of Sunday 14th October during the Synod on Young People, which takes place in Rome during that month. Great joy erupted at the declaration - not only in El Salvador, Romero's own country, but across the world.

The new Salvadoran Cardinal, Gregorio Rosa Chavez, declared that he will no longer be hailed as 'St Romero of America' but as 'St Romero of the World'. It sounded at first like a rhetorical flourish; but, on reflection, it's a simple statement of the truth for he will be a saint of the Catholic (meaning universal) Church.

Romero, who is described as the first martyr of Vatican II, will be proclaimed a saint together with Pope Paul VI, who brought the Second Vatican Council to its conclusion and implemented its reforms. Romero had great affection for Paul VI; and he in turn gave Romero unconditional and uncritical support during very difficult times.

In the same canonisation ceremony four others will be sanctified: two Italian priests, Francesco Spinelli and Vincenzo Romano and two religious sisters, one German and one Spanish, Catherine Kasper and Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa. The crowds in St Peter's Square and the surrounds will be huge for such a great occasion.

Many who admire and revere Blessed Oscar Romero have already indicated that they will travel to Rome to be present at the event. The Archbishop Romero Trust will try to offer guidance to those who have worked and prayed for the canonisation and who now wish to be present and to participate. This will be done in conjunction with Anthony Coles who has organised pilgrimages to the martyrdom site and holy places associated with Oscar Romero in El Salvador - as well as regularly taking groups to Rome.

Although the date for the canonisation is now known, details of other activities that usually accompany such events have still to be announced. These might possibly include a prayer vigil and a celebratory Mass of Thanksgiving (on the Monday morning) in one of the major basilicas in Rome.

The Archbishop Romero Trust in Britain is proposing to order tickets for the canonisation Mass and will hope to be able to provide them to the members of its 'Friends of Romero' network who indicate that they plan to go to Rome for the canonisation Mass. On the Trust's website, www.romerotrust.org.uk, ICN readers can still sign up as a 'Friend of Romero'.

Whether making a lightning visit simply for the canonisation ceremony itself, or even if staying a little longer for other events, many or most people can make their own arrangements for flights to Rome and also for overnight accommodation there. They will then be able to collect a ticket for entry to the Mass from a location in Rome on the day before.

However, as an alternative, a two and three night 'package' is available (which will include accommodation, receptions, some meals, tickets and transfers to the various events) and can be booked through Anthony Coles.

For either of these it is important to register interest with Anthony Coles by email to arctc@btinternet.com or in writing to 18 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX.