Romero Awards

Posted on 22. Mar, 2018, in Christian Values, Community, Faith and Justice, Humanitarian Aid, Missionary, SaintsComments Off on Romero Awards

March 24th marks thirty-eight years since Archbishop Oscar Romero was killed by an assassin’s bullet as he celebrated Mass in El Salvador. Earlier this month the Vatican announced news of his canonization, a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man whose life still influences those working for human rights around the world. In honour of his work and his contribution to human rights, Trócaire launched the ‘Romero Awards’.

At the launch, Eamonn Meehan, Trócaire’s Executive Director, said, “Archbishop Romero was a friend to Trócaire and his leadership, conviction and compassion still influences Trócaire’s values and our work today.” 
Archbishop Oscar Romero became the voice of oppressed people through his powerful work for justice during the 1970’s. He rallied against the political and military human rights abuses of its own citizens and this work ultimately cost him his life. In 1979 Trócaire began funding the El Salvador Human Rights Commission, which was founded by the Archbishop in response to the shocking murder of 8,000 people. Trócaire continues to fund human rights work across Central America to this day. 
 
The Family Award aims to complement the ‘Amoris’ preparation programme for the World Meeting of Families. The Schools & Youth Award encourages young people to examine effective forms of communication to raise awareness of Trócaire’s work, just as Archbishop Romero used the radio to highlight injustices in El Salvador.”   
 
The awards will be presented in August 2018 as part of the World Meeting of Families celebration. Miriam Gormally spoke with Hannah Evans, the Church outreach officer with Trócaire, to find our more about the awards and how people can get involved. She began by explaining why Trócaire launched these awards. To find our more or to get involved in these awards email: romeroaward@trocaire.org

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