In 2016, thirty Jesuits from various Latin American countries came together at the Central American University "José Simeón Cañas" (UCA) in the vibrant capital of El Salvador. United in our pursuit of a bachelor's degree in theology—some of us studying in Brazil, others in Chile and Colombia—we embarked on a transformative journey, anticipating our ordination as deacons in the coming months. This month-long gathering was a profound opportunity to reflect on the mission of the priesthood within the Society of Jesus. Through meaningful discussions with Jesuits specialising in various apostolic fields, we deepened our understanding of our calling and commitment.
In one of our heartfelt discussions, a theologian shared a powerful insight: “The priesthood in the Society of Jesus is prophetic.” Those words from Jon Sobrino SJ, a prominent theologian in our region, truly resonated with us. At that moment, the rich history of the prophets—Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, John the Baptist, and Monseñor Romero—unfolded in our minds and hearts. We felt a deep sense of belonging to a historical narrative of remarkable individuals, all centred around Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who faced persecution for advocating a message of love and compassion. Jesus of Nazareth stood with those marginalised by society, embodying hope, mercy and solidarity. His resurrection, a profound act of God the Father's justice, brought us together in a community where we could hear His voice again and learn of Him.
In the stillness of the classroom, Jon Sobrino SJ honoured the memory of the six Jesuits martyred at UCA, who courageously gave their lives in El Salvador, sharing the good news of God with His people. Their mission was deeply intertwined with the history of El Salvador—a history marked by struggle and suffering. Through their lens of faith, they discovered the voice of God calling them to deliver a message of hope, even when it meant standing up to the oppressive powers of their time. Proclaiming this good news was no easy task; it required deep inner reflection and hours of prayer. Yet, they remained steadfast in their mission to reach out to the marginalised, telling them: “God is with you and desires a life of dignity for you—one that offers shelter, land to cultivate, and fair wages for honest work.”
The Jesuit martyrs used the university as a powerful means to proclaim the Gospel. They envisioned an institution that would place society's challenges at the forefront of its research, analysing and discussing these issues to propose effective solutions. This university would be committed to the nation’s historical journey, serving as a forum where diverse voices could unite to tackle pressing social problems such as poverty, injustice, and inequality. Their vision saw science as a force for the majority. The six Jesuits who were tragically murdered at the university embodied the Jesuit ideal of a life of poverty intertwined with education. Their commitment was to reflect deeply and thoughtfully on important issues through the lenses of philosophy, social psychology, theology, and education. In doing so, they inspired a community of local intellectuals who continue to create science that holds profound social significance.
Lucía Cerna, a witness to the massacre of the six Jesuits, along with their housekeeper and her daughter, has shared her powerful story of that day, born from her own suffering. After enduring torture at the hands of foreign authorities, Lucía recounted the tragic events of November 16, 1989, taking us to the garden where the Jesuits were killed for daring to think freely. Her life and testimony open a window into the heart of her native country.
As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the UCA Jesuits’ martyrdom, I invite you to watch the film "What Lucía Saw" to honour the courageous lives of those who truly embraced the teachings of the Gospel. May this anniversary inspire us to ponder a profound question posed by Ignatius of Loyola 500 years ago: “What have we done for Christ?”
The film “What Lucía saw” can be viewed, exclusively and free of charge, on the Archbishop Romero Trust website. It is a Spanish production with English subtitles and has a runtime of 103 minutes.
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Blog by Luis Orlando Pérez Jiménez, SJ
This Saturday, 16th November, marks the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of six Jesuit priests, along with their housekeeper and her daughter, in El Salvador. Those who were murdered that night were:
1. Ignacio Ellacuría, aged 59, was Rector of the university, political scientist extraordinaire, distinguished liberation theologian, brilliant philosopher and a leading exponent of Xavier Zubiri’s work.
2. Ignacio Martín-Baró, aged 47, was Vice Rector, distinguished social psychologist focused on human rights and mental health.
3. Segundo Montes, aged 56, was Director of the Human Rights Institute of the University (IDHUCA), which meticulously documented human rights abuses. His focus was on the extraordinarily vulnerable internal refugees and people displaced by the fighting.
4. Juan Ramon Moreno, aged 56, was a renowned writer, guide and promoter of Ignatian spirituality, librarian of the Romero Centre at the university, and Province Secretary and the Province archivist..
5. Amando López, aged 53, was a lecturer in theology and philosophy and university administrator.
6. Joaquín López y López, aged 71, was Director of ‘Fe y Alegría’ a movement for basic education and social development whose activities are directed to the most impoverished and excluded sectors of Salvadoran society.
7. Julia Elba Ramos, aged 42, was housekeeper/cook to the Jesuit community
8. Celina Ramos, aged 16, was the daughter of Julia Elba.
Banner image of the El Salvador martyrs, courtesy of the Ignatian Solidarity Network.
