Saturday evening, we returned to the UCA in the evening for the vigil commemorating the martyrs. We arrived in time to see the completed alfombras. We then gathered to hear a few speakers, watch a student dance group, and then light our candles and begin our procession through the campus. There were banners and images of the martyrs, which some of the students carried. There were several thousand people of us in the procession. The spirit was both joyful and…
On Friday, we visited the sites of Monseñor Oscar Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador 1977-1980. He is now San Romero de America, canonized in 2018. Romero was a pastor to the poor whom he adored, and they loved him back. Rather than accepting a fancy house from the oligarchs, he chose to live in a modest space at the Hospital Divina Providencia, which still offers palliative care to cancer patients. Romero demanded in his national radio broadcasts for an end…
Wednesday afternoon we went with the UCA students up the volcano that looms over San Salvador – no longer active – for a nice lunch, our fanciest meal. I like to eat just as much as anyone, so I was perfectly happy to indulge myself in a delicious meal at a nice restaurant with a great view. And to be honest, I was going to be with my people. I’m not wealthy by American standards and grew up poor, but…
Last month, I had the privilege of spending a week in El Salvador as part of a group of Jesuit educators and administrators from universities around the country. We were partnered with CRISPAZ and the Casa de las Americas of the University of Central America (UCA). I think trips like these can be both impactful and problematic if not done with a spirit of witness and accompaniment. I found the experience beautiful and challenging. I’ll be sharing a few thoughts…