Foundation issues invitation, requests financial support for Romero 30th anniversary events

The following letter is from the president of the Monsignor Romero Foundation. It was begun in 1999 by Monsignor Ricardo Urioste, a diocesan priest who was one of Archbishop Romero's closest collaborators. Having Monsignor Urioste as its president continues to give the Foundation great credibility.

CRISPAZ agreed to share this letter with our supporters because we believe this Foundation is critical in keeping Romero’s spirit alive.

—Don  Meyer, president of CRISPAZ

Dear sisters and brothers:

This upcoming March 24 will be the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of Monsignor Romero. Three decades have passed since those who held economic and military power tried to silence his prophetic voice. And yet his homilies, pastoral letters, his life example remain as current today as ever.

His voice in favor of the innocent victims is as necessary today as it was then. So is his voice against all that victimizes on a global scale: the idolatry of wealth and power in all its manifestations, ignoring and trampling on the dignity of the simple and defenseless.

Therefore, in this 30th anniversary celebration, the Monsignor Romero Foundation wants in a special way to show him as close as ever to the victims, the needy, all those who still struggle for life, justice, peace and solidarity. That is why the theme chosen for this anniversary is "Monsignor Romero: Hope of the Victims."

Many activities are being prepared for the eve’s week of this anniversary, including an international gathering of Romerian youth; talks by renowned theologians from America, Africa and Europe; and a "Pilgrimage of Light," Saturday, March 20, culminating in a solemn mass at the atrium of the San Salvador Cathedral, concelebrated by the Cardinal of Guatemala. Rodolfo Quezada Toruno, the Archbishop of San Salvador and other bishops and priests.

We therefore invite all those who can attend these activities to join us and share with us the joy of peace, hope and solidarity that this commemoration means. And we beg for those who are able and willing to help, to send your donations to the account named below. Thank you for your generosity.

Monsignor Ricardo Urioste
President, Monsignor Romero Foundation

Account Name: Monsenor Romero Foundation
Citi Bank, 444 Castro St. San Francisco Ca 94114
Routing Number: 32 11 7 11 84
Account Number: 20 34 57 841,
SWIFT CODE: CitiUS33

If you need more information on planned activities or participation in delegations attending the 30th Anniversary, visit: www.fundacionmonsenorromero.org.sv or e-mail pazsal@crispaz.org