2. Oscar Romero
Credit: CAFOD

3. An ordinary person Oscar Romero was born on 15 August 1917 in
El Salvador, Central America. When he left school he became a carpenter, but soon decided he wanted to become a priest.

4. El Salvador at the time A few rich families owned lots of land.
Most people were poor and earned very little.
People became very angry at this unfairness but the rich were very powerful.
People who complained were put in prison or even killed.

5. A quiet man
In 1977 Oscar Romero became the Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital.
He was a quiet, shy man and nobody thought he would speak out about how poor people were being treated.
They thought he would be too afraid.

6. A friend’s influence
Romero’s friend, Fr. Rutilio Grande, worked with poor communities. He spoke out about how unfair things were and demanded better living conditions for poor people.
For this he was shot dead.
His death upset and angered Romero, who insisted his death be investigated.
This never happened.

7. A voice for the voiceless
Romero stopped being a quiet man and told the truth about what was happening to poor people in his country. In weekly sermons on the radio he spoke out against the violence.
“Many would like the poor to keep on saying it is God’s will for them to live that way. But it is not God’s will for some to have everything and others to have nothing. That cannot be of God.”

8. “If they kill me, I will rise again in the Salvadorian people”
A brave man
Even though he was afraid that he would be killed, his strong faith in God helped him carry on.
“If they kill me, I will rise again in the Salvadorian people”

9. On 23 March 1980, Oscar Romero appealed on the radio for soldiers
and police officers to stop repressing
the people.
The next day, as he celebrated Mass,
a car drove up and a shot was fired through the open church door.
Oscar Romero was killed.

10. Caritas Australia in El Salvador
Caritas Australia partners continue working for justice in El Salvador alongside the poor.

11. Through his life and
through his death,
Oscar Romero remains
a powerful example
and inspiration for all
who believe in working
for justice.

12. be a voice ‘ ’ silence is consent fact challenge action
God of Justice
Give me the courage to
raise my voice in solidarity with
those facing injustice. ‘ ’
silence is consent
fact
Millions are voiceless in their struggle against injustice.
challenge
How can I use my freedom of speech to speak out against injustice?
action
Speak out. Write a letter. Join a campaign.

13. be just ‘ ’ “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an
God of Justice
Give me the determination
to continue to work
for a just world. ‘ ’
“Overcoming poverty is not
a gesture of charity, it is an
act of justice.” Nelson Mandela
fact
The richest 10% of the world controls 89% of the world’s wealth. The poorest 10% controls less than 1%. (UNU-WIDER)
challenge
How can I be just in my daily actions?
action
Join/Start a social justice group. Buy fairtrade. Own your actions.

14. be aware ‘ ’ fact challenge action
God of Justice
Give me the resolve
to seek out the truth. ’ ‘
“Do we help the poor if we do not ask why they are poor? ”
Dom Helder Camara
fact
We read, watch and
hear breaking news
24 hours a day
challenge
How do I find out about
the issues facing my
brothers and sisters?
action
Be informed.
Get involved.
Seek the truth.

15. be ‘ ’ solidarity in action fact
God of Justice
Give me courage to stand beside
those fighting for justice. ’ ‘
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa
solidarity
Stand up for justice. Think
globally. Act locally.
action
fact
challenge How can I stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised?
We are all part of
one human family.

16. (First African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize)
green
God of Justice
Give me the spirit to be more
rather than to have more. ’ ‘
“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.” Wangari Maathai
(First African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize)
fact
Exploitation of resources,
often by the powerful few,
has irrevocably changed
our world.
challenge
Will I consider the implications my actions have on the environment?
action
Rethink. Reduce. Reuse.
Recycle. Repair.

17. be giving ‘ ’ fact challenge action
God of Justice
May I be generous with what you have freely given
so my sisters and brothers can live life to the full. ’ ‘
“Every time we share our goods with our neighbour in need,
we discover that the fullness of life comes from love.”
Adapted from Pope Benedict XVI Lenten Message 2008
fact
“The earth belongs
to everyone, not just
to the rich.” St Ambrose
challenge
How can I give of my
time, my resources
and my life?
action
Support the work of
Caritas Australia.
Share your talents.
Volunteer.

18. Picture credits Sean Sprague Equipo Maiz CAFOD Caritas Australia
Last updated Jan 2012

19. The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development