Romero House
Patron
Romero House is named for Archbishop Oscar Romero.
Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917 – 1980)
Oscar Romero was a Priest of the Roman Catholic Church in El Salvador. As Archbishop, his conscience led him to embrace a non-violent form of liberation. He was martyred for his non-violent advocacy of liberation. In 1980, he was assassinated by gunshot shortly after his homily. In 1997, a cause for beatification and canonisation into sainthood was opened for Romero, and Pope John Paul II bestowed upon him the title ‘Servant of God’. This process continues.
Symbol & Colour
The symbol of Romero House places hands at the forefront, emphasizing action as key to Oscar Romero’s legacy;
The crown of thorns represents sacrifice for the benefit of others;
The cross reminds us of the centrality of Catholic faith in Oscar Romero’s life as well as our own;
The wreath featured is taken from the crest of El Salvador as a connection to Oscar Romero’s heritage;
The colour red features prominently within the symbol, enriching the connection to a new and exciting tradition within Romero House identity.
Lord Jesus we pray that we may have the burning passion for human rights as Archbishop Romero had.
During his life he said to us “Who will speak for the poor and the lame?
Who will speak for the oppressed and imprisoned?
Who will speak if you don’t?”
May we always speak with the courage of Oscar Romero.
Amen.
“Aspire not to have more, but to be more”
The motto is a direct quote from Oscar Romero that speaks of the importance of measuring oneself by standards far greater than the materialistic goals our modern life sometimes directs us towards.
The importance of our action, and the courage this sometimes takes, is embodied in the quote.
This motto calls on the members of Romero House to aspire to be the best that they can be in all aspects of their lives in and outside of the College.
The connection to Caritas and the inspiration their social justice work provides is another pursuit we hope will become a lifelong endeavour for students.
