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Archbishop Romero was born 15 August 1917. He was born in the city of Ciudad Juárez. His father's name was Santos Romero. His mothers name was Guadalupe de Jésus Galdámez.
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As a young boy in his household Oscar did not have running water or electricity. When Oscar was twelve his parents could not afford school for him. His parents were very poor then.
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So instead he went to be an apprentice carpenter. He had showed great talent. But, Oscar was already single-minded to become a priest.
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He first went to rome in 1937 to learn about technology. Then later, entered in the seminary at the age of fourteen. Then, was appointed a priest when he was 25 in April 1942.
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Recognising the authority of the radio to reach the people. He convinced five radio stations to air his Sunday sermons to peasant farmers who thought they were uninvited in the churches.
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He was appointed priest, and returned to El Salvador in 1944. He was a church priest and also wrote in the bishop newspaper. He was known as a silent, timid man.
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He became an additional bishop of El Salvador in 1970. In 1974 he became Bishop of Santiago de Maria. At this time, Oscar Romero was described as traditional.
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He was made Archbishop of El Salvador, a 'safe' appointment, someone who would maintain the condition quo. Within three weeks this had changed. The Church was entering into a time of persecution because of new ideas which were beginning to be talked about and acted upon by those working with and for the poor. Their talk of justice threatened the way of life of the wealthy and mighty. On 12th March a profound priest and friend of Oscar’s, Father Rutilio Grande, was brutally murdered in Aguilares.
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Archbishop Romero died on the 24 of march 1980. He died at the age of 63. He was shot while celebrating mass. His last words were: 'May God have mercy on the assassin.'
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Oscar Romero had a movie based off of his life. It was named Romero. It was made 1989. It was directed by John Duigan and starred Raúl Juliá and produced by Paulist Productions.
