On January 22, 2022, Fr. Rutilio Grande, SJ, along with three other martyrs of the late 1970s, were beatified in El Salvador. Bl. Grande's beatification is of particular note, as his example and martyrdom helped fan the flame of St. Oscar Romero's ministry.
Bl. Grande's priesthood was marked by a unique care for the poor and vulnerable of society, challenging the poor to reevaluate their position.
According to an article by Thomas Kelly for the Creighton Magazine, Bl. Grande would walk with the poor and encourage them to take action to change their situation.
A martyrdom that inspired a saint
It was his work with the poor and vocal opposition that drew the attention of the local government. They murdered him and two others on March 12, 1977. It was a death that shocked St. Oscar Romero, a good friend of Bl. Grande.
Pope Francis briefly spoke about Bl. Grande during an address to the Bishops of South America in 2019.
Pope Francis also talked about Bl. Grande in an address in El Salvador in 2015.
In a certain way, it was Bl. Grande's martyrdom that would lead St. Oscar Romero's martyrdom. Both worked zealously for the poor and were vocal about it.
The Church now has a new blessed to invoke, along with St. Oscar Romero, who can intercede for us and our ministry to the most vulnerable of society.
