Celebration of the Beatification of Archbishop Oscar Romero

Seton Hall University’s Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) will commemorate the beatification of San Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero with a Spanish music mass and reception on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. The event is free and open to the Seton Hall University community and public.

Archbishop Romero’s life and legacy plays an important role in DOVE’s Releasing the DOVEs: El Salvador, a one-week service trip for students. “He has enhanced DOVE’s commitment to social justice and to speaking out on behalf of the poor,” said Director of DOVE Michelle Peterson. “We are inspired by his love of Christ and others, and are thrilled to celebrate his life and long-awaited beatification.”

As a human rights and social justice advocate during the Salvadoran Civil War, Archbishop Romero was assassinated in 1980 while offering mass at the chapel on the grounds of Divina Providencia, a cancer hospital where he lived. His path toward sainthood began in 1997 when Pope John Paul II bestowed upon him the title of Servant of God. His next step in canonization will take place on May 23, 2015 with his beatification in San Salvador.

“Each year, on the first day of our trip, we visit the location where Archbishop Romero was killed,” said Peterson. “We see his blood-stained garments, pray in the chapel and tour the home where he lived. We have even met the very sisters who carried him out of the chapel that day.”

The special Spanish music mass will be celebrated by Father Esterminio Chica from El Salvador who assisted Peterson in establishing Releasing the DOVEs: El Salvador. A reception with student testimonies and Salvadoran food and music will immediately follow in the Campus Ministry Lounge.

For over 12 years, DOVE has hosted the service trip which allows 20 students each year the opportunity to truly live and work for others. Past and current worksites include: two orphanages, a special education school, a center for sexually abused girls and a nursing home.

For more information about Releasing the DOVEs: El Salvador and other DOVE programs, please visit https://www.shu.edu/catholic-mission/dove-index.cfm.