Sacraments and more

The beatification of Monseñor Romero was a real celebration of the faith here in Central America. A bishop, so committed to Christ and the poor that he gave his life, is finally being recognized by the official Church. The People of God has already canonized him – and sees him as an example, an intercessor, and a challenge to a faith that accommodates itself to violence and poverty, to the “anti-Kingdom,” as Jon Sobrino puts it.

So it was a joy to find myself in the midst of celebrations of four different sacraments, among the poor.

Wednesday there were first communions in the nearby village of Candelaria.

Thursday, I joined Padre German going to Vega Redonda. We arrives about 9:30 am and he had confessions for two hours before Mass. The young people who would receive their first communion in the Mass went to confession, as well as may adults, some of them godparents.

 

The little church was packed.

Saturday I went with Padre German to ordinations in La Unión, Copán. One young man was ordained to the priesthood and two young men to the transitional diaconate.

New priest, Padre Manuel de Jesús, and the bishop

The readings were well chosen and the bishop, Monseñor Darwin Andino, in his twenty-five minute homily, well summed them up in a few words: mission, humility, communion, and service.

But what really touched me is how he mentioned Romero as important for the church here.

Romero's image being presented

Romero’s name was also included in the Litany of Saints and his image was brought forward in the offertory procession.

What a nice way to end a week after Romero’s beatification.

Now the challenge is to live his example as a follower of Christ, committed to the integral liberation of all – especially the poor.