Oscar Romero never set out to be a martyr. He was elected to his seat as archbishop of San Salvador because of his reputation as an orthodox, pious, and quiet, church functionary. As a bishop, he never spoke out against the terrible repression his parishioners suffered, he never supported the Christian base community movement that was rising up to meet it, and he criticized priests under his direction who did. The wealthy elite of the capitol were delighted to support his election
The Legacy of Oscar Romero - His Transformation
as archbishop in February, 1977. A few days later, several people were killed in the main plaza of the capitol when soldiers fired into a crowd protesting election fraud. Archbishop Romero was silent.
But a few weeks later, a priest under Romero’s direction, Don Pablo’s mentor, Rutilio Grande, was murdered. Romero questioned why there was no official inquiry, and he began to ask questions about the murder. What follows is a first-hand account of Oscar Romero’s remarks at a mass in the cathedral in San Salvador a few days after Father Grande’s murder:
“The plaza was full to overflowing. More than 100,000 people were there. Many people who had distanced themselves from the church for years returned to their faith that day. Rutilio’s assassination and the message given by that single Mass were alarms sounding—waking people up.
As the Mass began, I noticed that Monsignor Romero was sweating, pale and nervous. And when he began the homily, it seemed slow to me, without his usual eloquence, as if he was reluctant to go through the door of history that God was opening up for him. But after about five minutes, I felt the Holy Spirit descend upon him.
"...I want to give a public thanks today, here in front of the archdiocese, for the unified support that is being expressed for the only gospel and for these our beloved priests. Many of them are in danger, and like Father Grande, they are risking even the maximum sacrifice...."
Hearing the name of Rutilio, thousands exploded into applause.
"This applause confirms the profound joy that my heart feels upon taking possession of the archdiocese and feeling that my own weaknesses and my own inabilities can find their complement, their strength, and their courage in a united clergy. Whoever touches one of my priests, is touching me. And they will have to deal with me!"
Thousands of people were applauding him, and you could see him grow stronger. It was then that he crossed the threshold. He went through the door. Because, you know, there is baptism by water, and there is baptism by blood.” - Inocencio Alas, from “Oscar Romero: Memories in Mosaic,” by María López Vigil (UCA Editores, El Salvador, 1993).
Oscar Romero celebrating Mass at Rutilio Grande's funeral in the cathedral in San Salvador in 1977
“The plaza was full to overflowing. More than 100,000 people were there. Many people who had distanced themselves from the church for years returned to their faith that day. Rutilio’s assassination and the message given by that single Mass were alarms sounding—waking people up. 