In March of 1980 Oscar Arnulfo Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador, was assassinated as he celebrated Mass. This book combines personal recollections and theological reflections on this extraordinary and prophetic man. Sobrino, a colleague and admirer of the late archbishop as well as a prominent figure in liberation theology, explores the profound meaning of Romero's life and witness for El Salvador, the church, and the World.

Sobrino considers first the impact of Romero's life and message on his own life and theology. In a moving personal memoir, he describes how Romero (by reputation a timid, conservative prelate) emerged as the outspoken champion of the poor and suffering people of El Salvador.

Sobrino then places the archbishop in the context of the wider church. Romero as believer, as archbishop, as Salvadoran, as prophet, as martyr, as inspiration for theology - Sobrino explores each of these identities, to synthesize the totality of his person and his work. Summing up these reflections he concludes, "Archbishop Romero was a gospel...a piece of good news from God to the poor of the world."

Author - Jon Sobrino
Robert R. Barr S.J.

"In Christian history the martyrdom of an archbishop produces a salutary shock which changes perceptions: Thomas Becket in Canterbury and Stanislaw of Krakow are two famous medieval examples. Oscar Romero differs from them by being a thoroughly modern man who was frankly scared of the death he knew awaited him, and because his 'conversion' came from listening to his people. Sobrino was a privileged witness of this process."

Peter Hebblethwaite

"When a perceptive theologian analyzes a prophetic bishop, the product is bound to be both penetrating and thought-provoking: Sobrino brings Romero to life in a new way."

Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., Archbishop of Milwaukee

"Scholarly biographies and hagiographies will follow but few will be as moving, intimate, or revelatory as this.... This book is an epiphany where we meet Romero walking with us along the path of history, opening our eyes."

Renny Golden

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