Romero

I am sitting outside on my patio in Raleigh, North Carolina listening to the live stream of the beatification of Saint Oscar Romero. The breeze is whispering through the trees, the sun shining on my face. I am so moved for El Salvador, for my friends. A country that has suffered so much and continues to suffer. Romero's sainthood gives me such hope and joy for Central America, for the church, and for our world. 

Saint Romero called for an end to violence, and oppression of the poor during the El Salvadoran Civil War. A war that the United States financed for many years, the resulted in the deaths of 90,000 El Salvadorans, human rights activists, nuns and priests. Romero was killed while celebrating mass on March 24, 1980. The war continued until 1992, and the violence in El Salvador has continued mainly through the growing gang population. Only now, 35 years after his death is he being sainted.

The news is full of grief and violence. We need more good news, and celebration of those who are working for peace. The beatification of Saint Romero is a call to action. 

The United States has taken advantage of Mexico and Central America for too long, killing through the teaching of torture and funding of wars, passing trade agreements which take away fair pay for farmworkers and laborers, and then exploiting those who immigrate to the United States in hopes of a better life. It is time we embrace our brothers and sisters as equals, thinking about creative ways to create more opportunity in Latin America and pass new immigration laws that offer a path to citizenship. 

This is also a call to action for El Salvador. The gang violence continues to worsen. There is a culture of fear. The government does not act. I do not know what the solution is, because a gang, like terrorism, is more of an idea. It is part of the culture of violence. Peace does not always come naturally, it must be taught. Seeds must be sown. It takes patience and great attention.

It has been over a year since we returned from our time living in Suchitoto. I am grateful to know El Salvador - its smiling people, its bright sun, it's beans and corn, its joy. I so admire the strength and resiliency of el pueblo salvadoreño  and it will always be a part of who I am and hope to be.