The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, on behalf of the Venezuelan People and the Bolivarian Government, joins the rejoicing of the Salvadoran Government and People on the occasion of the canonization of the Blessed Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdamez, today on October 14th 2018, accompanying the deep devotion within the hearts of the dispossessed to the Bishop and martyr of the Great Homeland.
Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero is a symbol of dignity and justice to the peoples of Our America for having given a voice to the voiceless; for his dedication to the cause of the humbles, defending the farmers, the poor, the workers of his Homeland; for having faced the violence and terrorism of those in power with his sincere and brave words; for having suffered the calvary and martyrdom for love to Christ and his People.
His role in defense of life led him to relentlessly confront the repressive regime. His words were followed every Sunday by his people eager of truth, justice and hope.
In his last sermon on March 23rd, he pronounced the historical phrase: “in the name of God and of this suffering people… I ask you, I command you, I beg you in the name of God: stop the repression”. The following day he was assassinated while he celebrated the Eucharist. His funerals were a real manifestation of the humble people who will never forget him.
It is that same people who made him Saint in the most intimate of their homes, in their songs and murals, in their poetry and art, in their small parishes and community-based organizations, in their workplaces and schools, in their corners and squares, in their countryside and cities, in their mountains and rivers, in their high blue skies and their beloved land.
In a time of major social conflicts and severe dangers to life on the planet, his canonization constitutes an exaltation of the authentic priesthood, that of preferential option for the poor, that one which denounces and unmasks the oppressors, that one which preaches the common good and fraternity among human beings.
For this reason, the canonization of the Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero is a fact that goes beyond the confessional and religious differences, to become an event of deep historical, spiritual and humanist meaning for the peoples of Our America and the world.
Venezuela sends to the brother Salvadoran people its words of rejoicing and veneration to Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero, who has become an example and guide for humankind, calling us to face selfishness, injustice and violence, through the path of solidarity, equality and peace.
Caracas, October 14th, 2018
Venezuela joins the joy of the Salvadoran people for the canonization of Monsignor Arnulfo Romero