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Map of El Salvador overlaid with the faces of El Salvador's martyrs

He was the first priest ordained by Oscar Romero after Romero was consecrated as archbishop.  Octavio began working in a parish called San Antonio Abad near the capital city of San Salvador.  He was a spiritual advisor, a supporter of the base Christian communities and especially the youth, and above all, he was sensitive to the problems of the oppressed.  At a time when it was dangerous to do so, he worked against the powers to promote the rights of poor Salvadorans.

On January 20, 1979, Octavio, who was only 35 years old, was leading a retreat for 40 young men and women in his parish.  Near dawn, the police and army charged into the meeting and brutally assassinated Octavio and 4 of the youth.  The army was accompanied by other paramilitary groups parked outside in assault vehicles and tanks.  According to the official version, the army had responded to an armed confrontation.  They released a false report on television, putting firearms in the hands of Octavio and the youth.

"Struggling for a better world"

Archbishop Oscar Romero presided over the funeral of Octavio and the youth.  Twenty thousand Salvadorans and 100 priests gathered over the martyrs’ bodies.  All of the churches in the country closed their doors for 3 days, and the religious and social groups committed more than ever before to work to “convert the noise of machine guns into hope.” The story of Octavio, one of many leaders assassinated for their work for the rights of the poor in El Salvador, impacts me particularly deeply.  I know his family, I know the community where he grew up, and I too worked with young people in El Salvador.  Ana Ortiz, the director of the non-profit with which I worked in El Salvador, is the sister of Octavio, and her 3 other brothers were likewise assassinated in the struggle of the poor against the political and economic powers during the 1980s in El Salvador.   She continues until this day the work begun by her brothers for the poor in the base Christian communities.

The assassins of Octavio and the four youth were part of the Salvadoran army whose commanders were trained at the School of the Americas.  I come to the School of the Americas this weekend to remember individuals like Octavio Ortiz who have been targeted by graduates of the School for their very work for the poor in Latin America.  I also come to honor those like my friends Anita, Mercedes, Juan, Miguel, Armando, and Delmy who carry on the brave and tireless work for a better life for the poor in El Salvador.  I come for the activities of the weekend: the vigil, the protest, documentaries about the struggles of the social movement in Latin America, and the crowds of people who care about the people of the countries that share our continent of America.  I come expecting to experience a sense of familiarity to the work in El Salvador: honoring the martyrs of the long struggle for justice, resisting the mega proyectos de muerte (massive death projects), the radical Catholic “church of the poor,” community, and celebration.

Thank you to the Union community who worked so hard to prepare yesterday’s commissioning service that was a blessing to me as it evoked the spirit of honoring our martyrs and continuing the resistance in their stead.  I decided to come to Union partially because I anticipated finding a community concerned about these same issues that inspire me, and yesterday’s service far superseded my expectations.  I feel it deep in my heart that you go with us.

Also, a special shout out to those special Unionites who were our send-off party this morning, who prepared our yummy care package and bread, who helped us set up the blog, and who found our “chariot.”

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The vigil itself was great. A large number of folks showed up, as usual, despite the cold and rainy weather. Tamara sang beautifully on stage, helping with the litany, as thousands stood in solidarity, chanting “Presente” after each victim’s name was read aloud. Though very much a time for mourning, the gathering was also a time to celebrate the resistence so many have taken part in through the years. Perhaps what helped convey this was the role the puppetistas played in the vigil.

The large puppets serve as a creative and engaging image to convey both mourning and celebration. While the litany is read, they lead the folks around the stage, to the gates, in what is pretty much a funeral procession. Once this is done, once the long list of the victim’s names are read, the puppetistas breakout in a drum beat and begin to dance. What was once mourning, what was once death, is suddenly brought to life in celebration of the resistence, solidarity, and community created by such acts. A certain theological concept comes to mind, no? I believe ressurection is the word we’re looking for here.

All in all, another fantastic experience I hope not to have again.

May the people of Latin America continue to experience ressurection. May they continue to join in solidarity with each other and experience life in the midst and face of death as brought upon them by the School of the Americas.

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We’ve picked up Seth in Jersey, created some travel games (my two favs being name your supreme court justice’s middle name AND name the nuclear nations – Steve has those initials down!), driven through three states (if we include New York), and near D.C. That is to say, we’ve still got a long way to go.

Richmond for the night – we’ve got a church stay thanks to Emily O’s brother. Tomorrow – more driving. Nay, more conversation and games!

Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and comments. Keep em coming!

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Safe travels!

Emilies

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Go in peace and safety as you leave from Union tomorrow. Our prayers will go with you.

I would like to dedicate the comments attached to this space for anyone who cares to do so to leave a message of hope, encouragement or prayer.

-peter

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