Honoring the 45th Anniversary of Saint Óscar Romero's Martyrdom
Several members of the University community, shown, traveled to El Salvador with the Jesuit Center in January. At a March 24 Spirituality Luncheon theydiscussed their experience. This date is of particular significance, as it is the 45th anniversary of St. Oscar Romero’s martyrdom.By: Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent
Students, faculty and staff are invited to reflect on the legacy of Saint Óscar Romero, whose martyrdom 45 years ago sparks inspiration in the name of faith and social justice today.
The University of Scranton's Jesuit Center and the Weinberg Memorial Library have partnered to host a special exhibit honoring Saint Romero's life, ministry and ultimate sacrifice. The exhibit will run until April 20 in the Heritage Room of the library, showcasing books, photographs and memorabilia that illuminate the profound impact of the Salvadoran archbishop.
To inaugurate the exhibit, a special reception took place on March 27, drawing attendees who engaged with the display.
"I was pleased to be able to speak with many of those in attendance, and they remarked on the great collection of Romero books from the library stacks," said Dan Cosacchi, the University’s vice president for Mission and Ministry,
"Also, they commented upon many of the Salvadoran memorabilia and images from our pilgrimage. A few attendees mentioned that they look forward to applying for the pilgrimage in the future after seeing such a lovely display," he added, referencing the University's El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage.
Bridget Conlogue, special collections and research services assistant at the University's Weinberg Memorial Library discussed the exhibit.
"We created this exhibit at the request of Dan Cosacchi to remember the life and martyrdom of St. Oscar Romero, who sacrificed his life for the Salvadoran people 45 years ago. He was a voice for the voiceless in his care for the poor and marginalized. Every year, the Jesuit Center sponsors a group of faculty, staff, and Administrators for a weeklong visit to El Salvador to learn more about the past and current struggles of the Salvadoran people. The exhibit highlights St. Oscar’s life among his people, with books from the library’s collection, photographs taken during the University pilgrimages, and small examples of beautiful Salvadoran handcrafts contributed by library staff and faculty who have gone on the pilgrimages," said Conlogue.
"The Jesuit Center sponsored the reception on March 27 in the library’s Heritage Room, which was attended by around 30-40 faculty, staff and administrators, many of whom have been to El Salvador with The Jesuit Center," she added.
The pilgrimage leads delegations of Scranton faculty and staff to learn from the people of El Salvador and to grow in faith and solidarity. The delegations visit historical sites from the Salvadoran Civil War, including the sacred sites where the church women, the Jesuit martyrs and Oscar Romero, the fourth archbishop of San Salvador, were killed in 1980.
Cosacchi noted his eagerness to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Saint Romero’s martyrdom after attending this year’s Jesuit Center Pilgrimage. Cosacchi played a key role in organizing the commemoration, alongside Professor Michael Knies, special collections librarian, Bridget Conlogue, special collections and research services assistant, Dr. David Dzurec, associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and Bryn Schofield, coordinator for academic affairs, CAS and the Jesuit Center.
Several members of the University community, shown, traveled to El Salvador with the Jesuit Center in January. At a March 24 Spirituality Luncheon they discussed their experience. This date is of particular significance, as it is the 45th anniversary of St. Oscar Romero’s martyrdom.
Another key component of the anniversary events was the Jesuit Center Spirituality Luncheon, which featured a panel of pilgrims who had traveled to El Salvador.
"I, personally, was moved to be brought back to our shared time in El Salvador," said Cosacchi. "But for the attendees of the luncheon who have not been to that beautiful country, the most powerful insights were describing the large-heartedness of the people of El Salvador. In many cases, those people opened their homes to us, and shared their food, their homes and their very lives, with us."
Cosacchi said he hopes that those who participated in these events left with a deeper appreciation for the impact and connections built through the pilgrimage experience.
"Here at The University of Scranton, we take great pride in our relationship with the people of El Salvador, especially CRISPAZ (Christians for Peace in El Salvador). This is because our relationship exemplifies what it means to be in solidarity with a people who has suffered greatly. We do this because it is a core tenet of our Christian faith. The University looks forward to many more decades of these pilgrimages."
As a Jesuit institution, The University of Scranton is deeply committed to the values that Saint Romero embodied. His courage and compassion challenge all to live out their faith in service to others, advocate for the marginalized and foster a world rooted in peace and justice. These reflections on Saint Romero’s life provide an opportunity for University students to honor his legacy through action and continue his mission in their daily lives.
