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Then-Archbishop Oscar Romero receives a sack of beans from parishioners following Mass outside of a church in San Antonio Los Ranchos in Chalatenango, El Salvador, in 1979. (CNS photo/Octavio Duran)
Jan,. 29, 2019
Agenzia Fides
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- "Martyrdom is the greatest testimony of faith, because it faithfully reproduces Christ, giving his life so that others can have life in abundance" (John10:10), the Episcopal Conference of El Salvador said in preparation for the Jubilee Year of the Martyrs, 40 years after the martyrdom of St. Oscar Arnulfo Romero.
The message notes the dates on which the national martyrs will be celebrated: March 12, the 43rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Father Rutilio Grande; March 24, the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Oscar Arnulfo Romero; June 14, the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Father Cosme Spessotto; July 31-Aug. 2, the Pilgrimage to Ciudad Barrios, the birthplace of Romero, and the National Congress on martyrs.
"The martyrs gave their lives and accompany us on our pilgrimage of faith," the bishops said."We want to hear their voice and at the same time we want to echo that voice. Therefore, we respectfully ask the Parliamentary Assembly to promulgate an authentic 'National Reconciliation Law' to do justice to victims, know the truth and define compensation."
In seeking justice for the population, the bishops also ask for "a new system of assistance for retirees" and the definitive approval of the General Water Law, which ensures all Salvadoran citizens the right to water.
"Water is a public good, therefore it must be administered only by the State," the bishops said, inviting the population "to make use of their right to democratic participation and to make their voices heard on social networks, sending as many messages to the deputies, asking that, in accordance with their constitutional mandate, they legislate on each of the points indicated, in favor of the people who elected them and in defense of the rights of the poorest."
Finally, the bishops expressed solidarity with migrants and asked for the respect of their rights.