Anniversary Mass: Keeping alive "the radiant witness" of St Oscar Romero

At the reception after Mass: Mugeni Sumba, Clare Dixon and Julian Filochowski with their special Medals awarded by Archbishop John Wilson

"Both Trusts, in different but converging ways, have sought to keep alive the radiant witness of a man whose entire life was shaped by his faith in Christ: St Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, shepherd, martyr, and saint."

Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark was speaking at a special Mass on 1 November at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Archbishop Romero Trust and the 10th anniversary of the Oscar Romero Award Trust.

Archbishop John described himself as "an enormous Romero fan," inspiring him, "to take Christ seriously and ask what his Gospel means for today, especially in relation to people experiencing poverty and oppression."

He felt Romero, "believed that a better, fairer, more peaceful world was possible, where the Beatitudes map out our shared existence, where the truth of the Gospel and human dignity are honoured, where, in solidarity, we make our own the plight of our people." Hatred and violence were rejected in the struggle to support, "the weakest, the poorest and those suffering oppression and injustice." The Archbishop was very struck two years ago, when he visited two small rooms in San Salvador where Romero lived, by their austerity and simplicity. "Christ and his people were his solace," recalled Archbishop Wilson; "his service was rooted in love."

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador was assassinated by a right-wing death squad on 24 March 1980 while celebrating Mass in San Salvador and was canonised in 2018. St George's Cathedral hosts the National Shrine to St Oscar Romero and contains a large colourful reliquary cross, decorated in the style of art from Latin America. The Shrine in a side altar holds relics of Romero, namely his skullcap and a piece of the alb he was wearing when he was martyred 45 years ago. Archbishop Wilson and nine concelebrants stopped at the shrine as they processed to the altar at the start of Mass.

Both Trusts had organised the service and their representatives and supporters were among a congregation several hundred-strong. Julian Filochowski and Clare Dixon of the Archbishop Romero Trust and Mugeni Sumba, Coordinator of the Oscar Romero Award Trust, were each presented with Archbishop Wilson's Archbishop Medal during the Mass. "It is my gift," said Archbishop Wilson; "I am using this occasion to recognise three people, who, in my 10 years here, have helped me to know and love Archbishop Romero."

He thanked the Archbishop Romero Trust for "translating Romero's homilies, fostering devotion, encouraging pilgrimage, promoting formation and scholarship, and supporting the Church in El Salvador." The Oscar Romero Award Trust, launched in 2015, "has brought the message and witness of Romero to new generations in schools across our countries, inviting pupils and teachers to live justice, peace, and human dignity as Gospel imperatives," he said. Over 360 Catholic schools (primary, secondary and sixth form colleges) have engaged with the Award programme from 25 Catholic Dioceses in England, Wales, and Scotland, achieving different levels of the Award.

Inspirational music about discipleship in today's world was led by Chris Olding of Wheatsheaf Music, on piano, whose ad hoc choir sang stirring Justice and Peace hymns. These included Olding's own hymn, 'God you raise up true disciples'. His Mass of St Oscar Romero was sung, and his music is available for download from Wheatsheaf Music's website.

The Mass remembered Stephen Lloyd, the Honorary Treasurer of the Archbishop Romero Trust who died last week, and former trustees - now deceased - Bishop Michael Evans and Sr Pamela Hussey. Intercessions prayed for, "work for justice and solidarity, reconciliation unity and peace" especially "in places of war, poverty and injustice." There was a prayer, "for all people of faith, that the martyrs' example will continue to inspire in us lively commitment to growth in faith and solidarity with the poor."

LINKS:

Watch a recording of the Mass at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIxZayCQVik

Wheatsheaf Music at: https://wheatsheafmusic.co.uk/category/themes/st-oscar-romero/

Archbishop John Wilson's homily text: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53603

Romero Trust: www.romerotrust.org.uk/