6755 Camino Rojo
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 471-9196
al@alstaggs.com

Oscar Romero: A Martyr’s Homily

On March 24, 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador was assassinated by gunshot shortly after saying his homily. Although he had once been a very conservative priest and Bishop, Romero nevertheless became a very vocal spokesperson for the rights of the poor in his nation. Romero’s death provoked international outcry for human rights reform in El Salvador. To this day no investigation has revealed Romero’s killers.

Romero is considered by some the unofficial patron saint of the Americas  and is often referred to as “San Romero” by Catholic workers in El Salvador. Outside of Catholicism, Romero is honored by other religious denominations of Christendom, including the Church of England through its Common Worship. He is one of ten 20th-century martyrs from across the world who are depicted in statues above the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey in London.

"Al Staggs’ presentation was captivating and authentic. His mastery of the material allowed for a high level of interaction in the dialogue period that followed the presentation.”

   Msgr. Richard Tillman, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Columbia, MD

“Your play captures very well the spirit and teachings of the Catholic Church expressed in the writings of Archbishop Romero.”

   Rev. John J. Sullivan, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Plymouth, MI

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador was assassinated on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass.  Romero was killed as a result of his courageous and prophetic preaching and his involvement in human rights and justice issues in El Salvador.  As a result of his stand for justice, he became a martyr for all people struggling to overcome poverty and oppression.

"Staggs played Romero well, and moved this university audience deeply.  Al Staggs has that uncanny blend of being a true pastor of God's flock, and a powerful interpreter of God's message.  I highly recommend his presentations to...audiences in North America."

Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.,
Executive Director & Pastor
Newman Centre Catholic Mission
at the University of Toronto

"I was in the audience for your Romero presentation, and wish to say how much I enjoyed, and more importantly, was moved by it.  I don't know which moved me most, your restrained, almost liturgical, monologue; or your reflections afterwards.  Bless you in your ministry."

Richard Macdonald, SJ
North York, Ontario, Canada

"Recently I had the pleasure of witnessing a performance by Al Staggs acting in the role of Archbishop Oscar A. Romero.  I am writing to recommend this work to anyone who has the opportunity to sponsor or see it.  I do so without hesitation.  Having previously witnessed Al's superlative performance of the witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I was certain that this would be an exceptional presentation.  None of us were disappointed.

I heartily endorse this work as suitable for consideration by all audiences (smaller children excepted) and certainly recommend this work for Catholic audiences and congregations.  I am very devoted to the memory and the life of  Oscar Romero, and I think that Al Staggs certainly does justice to his memory and the power of his witness for justice. "

(Rev. Msgr.) Michael D. McCarron Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Newport News, Virginia