Sacred Heart School
Week of March 18
St. Oscar Romero
Fast forward - and I now know that these pictures were of Oscar Romero and the Salvadoran martyrs - Sr. Dorothy Kazel, Sr. Ita Ford, Sr. Maura Clarke, and Jean Donovan. (PS - Has anyone seen the picture of the women? It's missing!)
When I became principal, I was acutely aware of how unqualified I was to be leading this school - one because I didn't speak Spanish and two because I didn't know anything about Oscar Romero.
Over the past five years, Oscar Romero has taken me on a journey that I could've never anticipated. He took me to El Salvador - where I stood at his graveside and prayed in the chapel where he was murdered. He also took me to Rome - where I stood in St. Peter's Square at midnight, waiting to see the banner of Oscar Romero hung on the facade of the Church. And most recently, he's taken me to the Church within.
Before going to Rome, I decided to start reading Oscar Romero's biography. As I was reading, I realized how much Oscar Romero struggled with the Church leaders around him. He struggled with the Nuncio. He struggled with his fellow bishops. He struggled with Pre and Post-Vatican II views on the Gospel and how to live our faith. During one conversation, he shared that when the Church around him failed, he turned to the Church within.
This week's mass is important to me for many different reasons. One major reason is that I have struggled with the Church this year. I have watched as our own leaders failed - and struggled with pre - and post - 21st century views on the Gospel. However, in the midst of everything, I keep returning to St. Oscar Romero - and being reminded of my own Church within.
As we prepare for this mass.... and as we interrupt classes.... and as stress levels rise... I hope folks can hold on to - at least in a small part - why we are doing this. This is a political act. It is a reminder to the church of Washington that our Hispanic brothers and sisters are important and their voices should be heard - in Spanish - of course. It is a reminder that our Church needs bold leaders, and brave leaders, who can speak out against injustice - in all forms. And it is a reminder that St. Oscar Romero belongs to all of us now - and we are all united in this quest to bring the Gospel to life.
Walking with Romero: Our Journey from home to Rome
The Week Ahead...
Tuesday, March 19th - Middle School Field trip to the STEM Symposium
Wednesday, March 20th - Mass in honor of St. Oscar Romero, followed by the reception for 3rd-8th grade
Thursday, March 21st - PK3 and PK4 Library Visits
Friday, March 22nd - Stations of the Cross at 10:00am