On 28 March, Archbishop John Wilson celebrated Mass in honour of St Oscar Romero At St George's Cathedral in Southwark. The Mass was attended by many pupils and students from schools across the Archdiocese. In his homily, he recounted his recent visit to El Salvador, saying how he had had the privilege of walking in the footsteps of St Oscar Romero, from where he was born, where he ministered, where he lived to where he was martyred.  He also shared how on a visit to a school on San Salvador, he encountered a little girl who on greeting him, told him that he had beautiful eyes. Archbishop John was very moved by this observation from a child who barely knew him, yet she complimented him. Archbishop John reminded all present that when we recognise the good in each other, we recognise God in them. He then asked all those present to turn to the person next to them and tell them, 'You have beautiful eyes.' He then asked everyone to do the same when they get home - tell someone they live with, 'You have beautiful eyes', compliment them on something, as this is the beginning of expressing God's love to others.

During the Mass, Mugeni Sumba, the Co-ordinator of the Oscar Romero Award, announced that there were 84 schools in the Archdiocese of Southwark that were participating in the Oscar Romero Award: 47 are registered. Last year at a similar Mass, the Archbishop presented Participator Level Certificates to 17 schools. This year, he presented these certificates to 20 schools. Next year, we hope that some schools will also be awarded the Developer Level Certificates.  

Congratulations to all the schools that attended the Mass, especially to those who have achieved Participator Level of the Oscar Romero Award. We look forward to continuing to work with you to put the principles of Catholic Social Teaching into action in your school communities.