On the 45th anniversary of his death, St Albans Cathedral commemorated St Oscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador who was assassinated on 24 March 1980 while celebrating Mass. Romero is depicted among the modern martyrs in the Cathedral’s nave altar screen, and his legacy remains deeply resonant with the Cathedral’s own identity as the resting place of Britain’s first saint and martyr, Alban.

Like Alban, Romero stood courageously for justice—speaking out against violence and oppression, even at the cost of his life. In honouring Romero, the Cathedral continues its mission to tell the stories of both ancient and contemporary martyrs, allowing their faith and sacrifice to inspire and challenge us today.

Revds Vanessa Jefferson, Kevin Walton, Will Gibbs
Clare Dixon, Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, Sr Gemma Simmonds, Monsignor Harry Turner, Mary Minton, David Skidmore

It was our joy for this year’s commemoration of Archbishop Romero, to welcome as our preacher Dr Sr Gemma Simmonds, senior research fellow at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology in Cambridge, where she is Director of the Religious Life Institute.  In her homily Sr Gemma encouraged us to live with the courage of Archbishop Romero to work for justice in our day, which she suggested would be achieved when we are those who live with faith, hope and love.