Remembering St. Oscar Romero in the Heart of El Salvador

Barefoot Before the Fire of Faith: Remembering St. Oscar Romero in the Heart of El Salvador

By Sr. María Aracely Pérez Chinchilla, CCVI    As members of the CEFAS group, we traveled to El Salvador to visit the chapel at the Hospitalito of Divine Providence, the place where St. Oscar Arnulfo Romero was tragically killed. He is a martyr of truth and justice, and this visit was a way to keep his memory and example alive.    I joined the CEFAS group for the Mass marking the 45th anniversary of St. Romero’s martyrdom at the Cathedral of San Salvador. After the celebration, we walked with a large crowd of faithful people to visit his tomb.    This is a sacred place, full of energy and spiritual presence. The love, peace, harmony, and deep faith you can feel there make it a truly holy space. As I stepped into the chapel, I remembered God’s revelation to Moses in the experience of the burning bush in that holy place, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:2–5)    Walking barefoot, I found a different way to experience God among these devout people. The silence invited reflection and reverence. We remembered a saint who gave everything out of love, even his life. He became a remarkable and inspiring figure for the people of God.