On October 14 the Church canonized Archbishop Óscar Romero, a courageous pastor and advocate for the poor who was assassinated in 1980. Gunned down while saying Mass, Romero will be El Salvador’s first saint. His brave witness to his faith and courage to stand up for the voiceless and for human rights have made him a hero throughout the Americas and around the world.
As part of their Latino Leadership Program, Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life and the Archdiocese of Washington invited Latino leaders under 40 to come together to learn about this new saint, the lessons we can draw from his life and witness, and opportunities for young Latino leaders in our nation’s capital to live their own faith in their lives and work.
The gathering and reception were held in the Great Hall of St. Matthew’s Cathedral and were an opportunity for young Latino leaders to share great food, drink, and conversation with each other and with leaders close to the life and work of Archbishop Romero.
Featuring
Most Rev. Mario E. Dorsonville is auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington. Among his many responsibilities, Bishop Dorsonville leads the archdiocese’s Hispanic ministry.
Hon. David Bonoir is a former member of Congress from Michigan and House Democratic whip. He has written about and worked to advance Archbishop Romero’s call for justice, peace, and respect for human rights. He is the founder of American Rights at Work.
Ena Úrsula Peña is the general consul at the Consulate of El Salvador in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Marcelo Perdomo is a former Sacristan for Blessed Oscar Romero at El Rosario Parish in San Miguel, El Salvador.
The Initiative and the Archdiocese of Washington together organize Latino Leader Gatherings for young Latino leaders in Washington to explore connections between their faith, Catholic social teaching, and their personal and professional lives.