Urging the congregation to emulate the heroic example of Romero, Archbishop Concessao  said, 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.  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.

Welcoming the congregation which included the El Salvadorian ambassador to India Mr Gigermo Rubio and diplomats from various other embassies, Fr Charles Irudayam, Secretary, Office for Justice, Peace and Development, recalled that Archbishop Romero was assassinated because he was a prophetic witness to Gospel values, the values of the Kingdom of God. He hoped that the commemoration of Archbishop Romero’s martyrdom would foster in the people a passionate commitment to the cause of justice.

Mr Gigermo Rubio, the El Salvadorian ambassador to India, said that Archbishop Romero’s greatest contribution was his effort to usher in a civilisation of love that demanded justice for the people in a country where hatred and violence had reached the saturation point. True love, according to Archbishop Romero, meant demanding what is just, the ambassador reiterated. 

Noteworthy is the fact the homily about Archbishop Romero’s martyrdom was being delivered at 6.25 pm on Monday, 24 March – a significant coincidence with the time, the day and the date of Archbishop Romero’s assassination 34 years ago.  The cause for Archbishop Romero’s canonisation has been making quick progress under the papacy of Pope Francis.

 Fr. Charles Irudayam