Bishop Oscar Romero

The story of Oscar Romero is one of transformation, from one born of poverty, to one living comfortably within the system, to one determined to change the system. The story of Oscar Romero is one of conversion, of Paul on the road to Damascus, of a man who was blinded, and whose eyes were opened by the Lord, to see his brothers and sisters in agony and misery. The story of Oscar Romero is one of a man who committed his life to right wrongs to his flock, or die trying. The story of Oscar Romero is one of a Martyr for Christ. The story of Oscar Romero is an affirmation of the power and mercy of God.

A boy from the poor side of town Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdamez was born on the Feast of The Assumption of Our Lady, August 15, 1917, in Barrios, a small, mountainous village high above sea level, in El Salvador, Central America. His father, Santos Romero and his mother Guadalupe de Jesus Galdamez, were not what you would call very religious people. The Church, and its rules were not uppermost in their minds. Proof of that is that the child Oscar wasn't even baptized until he was two years old. His father had to be given Marriage instructions before he and his fiancee could be married in the Church. And if that's not enough, the father, Santos, admitted to at least one illegitimate child, the fruit of a wild youth.