20th Anniversary of the El Salvador Martyrs: Commemorative Events, November 2009
“They were always on the side of the opppressed, even when it was dangerous. To have known that great love is to say Yes. Behind the hatred on this planet, there is great love, which makes people work for justice. So the last word is not NO but YES.”
Question of Conscience: Murders in El Salvador
Monday, November 2, 2009: Wykoff Auditorium: 7-8: 30PM. This moving film tells the story behind the November 16, 1989 massacre of six Jesuits, their cook and her daughter, at the University of Central America in El Salvador. Serena Cosgrove will share her reflections on life in El Salvador at the time of the murders. For more info contact Seán Bray, Social Justice Minister, at (206) 296-6079.
Soup with Substance
Thursday, November 5th, 2009: Seattle University Student Center Room 130: 12:15-1:15 PM. Seattle area Jesuits John Whitney, Frank Case, Dave Leigh & Travis Russell reflect on the 1989 murders of their six Jesuit brothers, the ways in which they stand today for marginalized communities, and how they view their mission to serve in light of the assassinations 20 years ago. A simple meal of soup will be served . Presented by the SOA group and Campus Ministry. For more info contact Patrick Rivers, Student Campus Minister for Social Justice.
Celebration of Hope Liturgy
Thursday, November 12, 2009: Seattle University’s St. Ignatius Chapel: 12:05-1:05 PM.. We gather to remember and celebrate the lives of the martyrs of El Salvador at the annual Celebration of Hope liturgy. All are welcome! For more info contact Seán Bray, Social Justice Minister, at (206) 296-6079.
Resucito! Living the Legacy of the El Salvador Martyrs
Monday, November 16, 2009: Le Roux Room (Student Center 160) & Procession down the Lower Mall: 7:00-9:00 pm.November 16, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic deaths of the six Jesuits and two lay women assassinated by Salvadoran government forces at the University of Central America in El Salvador. As we look back twenty years later, we ask: what legacy have the martyrs left us? How have their lives and the circumstances surrounding their deaths impacted us personally? What lessons can Jesuit universities learn from their stances and actions against injustice? How can we all live out their legacy and commitment to peace and justice in today’s world? Come hear Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies Gary Chamberlain, Alumna Devin Seman, Undergraduate student Yessenia Medrano-Vossler, and St. Joseph parishioner Daniel Stoner offer their reflections on these questions. The panel discussion at 7:00 pm in the Student Center LeRoux Room will be followed at 8:00 pm by a procession down the Lower Mall. A reception will follow in Pigott Atrium at 8:30 pm. All students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are welcome. For more info contact Seán Bray, Social Justice Minister, at (206) 296-6079.
More Resources
Follow the blog of the SU delegation in El Salvador
Seattle U Jesuit Reflection on the 20th Anniversary of the El Salvador Martyrs
20th Anniversary Publication
Resolution 761 Martyrs