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CAFOD

Saint Oscar Romero spoke up for poor communities in El Salvador during a period of terrible violence. CAFOD is proud to have supported Archbishop Oscar Romero through his radio station during this time.

Here we celebrate this extraordinary saint’s life and legacy.

Oscar Romero Child

1917 - Birth

Oscar Arnulfo Romero was born into a family of ten on 15 August in Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador. His father was in charge of the local telegraph office. Sometimes the young Romero helped his father to deliver telegrams. Oscar learned to be a carpenter, making tables, chairs and doors.

young romero.jpg

1930 - Study

When he was 14 years old, Oscar wanted to be a priest so he went to study at junior seminary. When his mother was ill and they needed money for medicine, Oscar left the seminary for three months and worked in the gold mine in Potosí. He earned about 4p a day.

Oscar Romero with his mother

1937 - Rome

Oscar went to Rome to study and stayed there during World War II. His father and brother died while he was in Rome.

Oscar Romero with the poor

1942 - Ordination

Romero was ordained a priest and returned to El Salvador. He became famous for his sermons. He also did a lot of parish work like visiting prisons, organising catechism classes and working with others in the Church to provide help and food for the poor.

Bishop Oscar Romero with Pope Saint Paul VI

1970 - Bishop Oscar Romero

Romero was made a bishop on 21 June.

Oscar Romero celebrating Mass

1974 - Protest

Violence increased in El Salvador by the mid 1970s, as the government and army began killing poor people who stood up for their rights. When the army killed three people in the village of Tres Calles in Romero’s diocese, he comforted the families and wrote to the President to protest about the murders.