Contact: Yvonne Montejano Tel (512) 474-2399

Media

Advisory

1304 East 6th St, Ste 3 ∙ Austin, Texas78702

Contact: Yvonne Montejano ∙ tel (512) 474-2399 ∙

For Immediate Release

March 8, 2005

ROMERORESURRECTED IN THE PEOPLE OF AUSTIN

Speakers Remember the Legacy & Relevance of Monsignor Oscar Romero 25 Years Later

Austin, Texas─Local organizations and individuals who have been deeply moved by Archbishop Oscar Romero’s powerful, transforming messages of hope and liberation will commemorate and celebrate Romero’s legacy via an ecumenical service and open forum. The ecumenical service will feature Romero’s last Lenten homily, delivered 24 hours before his assassination, in which he bravely ordered Salvadoran soldiers to “stop the repression.” Following the service, there will be a short march to an outdoor hillside theater for a semi-structured open forum. The forum will feature keynote speakers and provide a space for thoughts and reflection from the community in the form of poetry, music, storytelling and presentations. Pupusas, Salvadoran tamales, rice and beans will be available by donation during the event. A photo exhibit of Monsignor Romero’s life will visually describe the transformation of this once conservative, bookish cleric to the most beloved martyr of the 20thcentury.

Where: Ecumenical Service, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1206 E 9th St

Open Forum, PanAm Hillside Stage, 2100 E 3rd St. (behind Zavala Elementary)

When: Saturday, April 2

Ecumenical Service, 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Open Forum, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Why: Archbishop Oscar Romero was a compassionate prophet of justice and peace in El Salvador during a time of military repression. He was a clergyman who had reached the pinnacle of his career and was headed straight for a cardinal’s hat if he had dedicated his energies to diplomats and presidents. Yet he chose to spend his time with the poor and the marginalized of El Salvador. He was assassinated 25 years ago because of his outspoken response to the human rights abused committed by the Salvadoran military. Today, he is remembered by people of all faiths as a martyr and an icon for social justice.

The anniversary of the Archbishop’s death falls during holy week in the Christian Church. He once said, “If they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran people.” It seems very fitting that he is now remembered every Easter season as the Christian church celebrates its miracle of resurrection. Romero will rise up through the people of Austin in song, poetry, storytelling, reflection and celebration.

Who: Sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, Casa Marianella, UT Latin American Studies Department and SOAW Austin.

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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.

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