Assassinated by El Salvador’s military dictatorship 45 years ago in 1980, Óscar Romero remains an icon of the country’s working class. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the people of El Salvador, as they strive for justice and equality in a country that has been plagued by violence and oppression.

Romero was born in 1917 in Ciudad Barrios, a small town in El Salvador. He grew up in a humble family and was raised with strong Catholic values. After completing his studies, he was ordained as a priest in 1942 and began his ministry in various parishes across the country.

In 1977, Romero was appointed as the Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador. At the time, the country was in the midst of a civil war, with the military dictatorship ruling with an iron fist. The government was known for its brutal tactics, including the use of death squads to silence any opposition.

Despite the danger, Romero used his position as Archbishop to speak out against the injustices and violence inflicted upon the people of El Salvador. He became a voice for the voiceless, advocating for the rights of the poor and marginalized communities who were suffering under the oppressive regime.

Romero’s powerful sermons and speeches denounced the government’s actions and called for an end to the violence. He urged the military to lay down their weapons and for the government to listen to the cries of the people. His words resonated with the working class, who saw him as a symbol of hope and a champion for their cause.

However, Romero’s outspokenness made him a target for the military dictatorship. On March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass in a small chapel, he was shot and killed by a government-backed death squad. His death sent shockwaves throughout the country and sparked widespread protests and demonstrations.

But Romero’s legacy did not end with his death. In fact, it only grew stronger. His assassination galvanized the people of El Salvador, who were determined to continue his fight for justice and equality. They took to the streets, demanding an end to the dictatorship and the establishment of a democratic government.

Romero’s death also drew international attention to the situation in El Salvador. The United Nations and other organizations condemned the government’s actions and called for an end to the violence. The pressure from the international community, combined with the determination of the people, eventually led to the downfall of the military dictatorship in 1982.

Today, Óscar Romero is remembered as a hero and a martyr in El Salvador. His image can be seen on murals, posters, and even on the country’s currency. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Salvadorans, who see him as a symbol of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the cause of social justice.

In 2018, Romero was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to serving the people. His canonization also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in El Salvador and around the world.

As we commemorate the 45th anniversary of Romero’s assassination, let us remember his message of love, peace, and social justice. Let us honor his memory by continuing to fight for a better and more just society, where the rights and dignity of all people are respected and protected.

Romero’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the people of El Salvador, who continue to draw strength and inspiration from his words and actions. He may have been assassinated, but his spirit and his message of hope and solidarity will never die. Óscar Romero will forever be an icon of the working class in El Salvador, a symbol of resistance and a beacon of hope for a brighter future.