Romero: 25 Years Later

What: AUSTIN, Texas - Local organizations and individuals who have been deeply moved by Oscar Romero’s powerful, transformative messages of hope and liberation will come together to commemorate and celebrate Romero’s legacy in an ecumenical service and open community forum. The forum will feature keynote speaker, Marta Benavides, and several local musicians and activists sharing poetry, music, storytelling and presentations. The forum will also be opened up for the audience to share thoughts and reflections. Our goal is both to honor Romero and to draw inspiration from his life to support current social justice movements around the world. Pupusas, Salvadoran tamales, rice and beans will be available by donation during the event.

Where: Ecumenical Service: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1206 E 9th St. Open Forum: PanAm Hillside Theatre, 2100 E 3rd St. (behind Zavala Elementary)

When: Saturday, April 2 Ecumenical Service: 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Open Forum: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Why: Oscar Romero was a compassionate prophet of justice and peace in El Salvador during a time of military repression. He was a clergyman who was assassinated 25 years ago because of his outspoken condemnation of the human rights abuses committed by the Salvadoran military. Today, he is remembered by people of all faiths as a martyr and an icon for social justice.

Who: The keynote speaker for the open forum is Marta Benavides, a Salvadoran activist, theologian and educator who worked closely with Monseñor Romero for many years. Her work is exemplary of bridge-building among various communities in the Global South and the US. The ecumenical service will be presided by Father Larry Stehling, Director of Social Concerns for the Catholic Diocese of Austin.

Other presenters include musician Mauricio Ramos Calleja, Natalia Cordona and Josefina Castillo of the American Friends Service Committee, activists Rolando Mendes and Eduardo Melgar.

Sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, Casa Marianella, Pax Christi Austin, The Rhizome Collective, Food Not Bombs, ok, I'll have it fixed tonight and SOAW Austin.