Saint Óscar Romero: Prophet of Truth and the First Cursillista Saint
On October 14, 2018, the Church joyfully celebrated the canonization of Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero, the Salvadoran archbishop who gave his life for faith, justice, and the poor. His testimony continues to resonate powerfully in the hearts of Christians, especially among those who have experienced the Cursillos de Cristiandad Movement, as Saint Óscar Romero is the first saint to emerge from this ecclesial movement.
From a young age, Romero was a man deeply passionate about Christ and the Church. He was born on August 15, 1917, in El Salvador, and from early on, he felt the call to the priesthood. His ministry was marked by a profound love for the Eucharist, a life of intense prayer, and a special sensitivity to the suffering of his people.
His Encounter with the Cursillos de Cristiandad Movement
Throughout his pastoral life, Óscar Romero participated in and promoted the Cursillos de Cristiandad Movement, an experience that profoundly shaped his vision of evangelization and the role of the laity in the Church. This movement, born in Spain in the 1940s, seeks to foster a personal encounter with Christ and the transformation of the world through a faith lived with joy and commitment.
As the first saint from the Cursillos Movement, Romero understood that every Christian is called to be a leaven in society, to live their faith authentically, and to proclaim the Gospel boldly. His ministry was deeply influenced by this renewed vision, where faith is not confined to sacristies but goes out into the world with courage and love.
A Shepherd with the Smell of His Sheep
On February 23, 1977, Óscar Romero was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador. His appointment surprised many, as some considered him to be a conservative and uncontroversial figure. However, his closeness to the people, his love for the truth, and his deep spiritual life led him to become a true prophet of justice.
Amid a society wounded by violence, poverty, and oppression, Monsignor Romero raised his voice for the weakest. From the pulpit of the San Salvador Cathedral, his homilies became a beacon of hope and denunciation, boldly proclaiming the Gospel and defending the dignity of every person.
“The mission of the Church is to identify with the poor; thus, the Church finds its salvation.”
These words reflect his radical commitment to Christ and the most vulnerable, a commitment that ultimately cost him his life.
Martyr of Truth and Faith
On March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass in the chapel of Divina Providencia Hospital, he was assassinated by a gunshot to the heart. His martyrdom was not the end of his mission but rather the beginning of a seed that has borne fruit throughout the Church.
Saint Óscar Romero is a living testimony of what it means to be a committed Christian, of what it means to “make a Cursillo and live it to its ultimate consequences.” His life reflects the essence of the Cursillos de Cristiandad Movement: to be a saint in the ordinary, to transform the world through faith, and to fearlessly proclaim the truth of Christ.
A Saint for Our Time
The canonization of Saint Óscar Romero by Pope Francis confirmed him as a model of contemporary holiness. His life continues to inspire laypeople, priests, and bishops to live their faith with passion, to defend human dignity, and to be witnesses of God’s love in the world.
📌 As the first Cursillista Saint, he leaves us a clear message:
🔥 It is not enough to know Christ; we must follow Him radically.
🔥 It is not enough to attend a Cursillo; we must live it every moment.
🔥 It is not enough to see injustice; we must raise our voices and act.
May Saint Óscar Romero intercede for all of us, so that we may live our faith with joy, courage, and fidelity, and so that, like him, we may be authentic Christians who bring the Gospel to every place where God has placed us.
🙏 Saint Óscar Romero, pray for us! ¡De Colores! 🌈✨
