By Walter Sánchez Silva
ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 29, 2025 / 08:00 am
The apostolic nunciature in El Salvador issued a correction for the irregularities that occurred during a Mass commemorating the 45th anniversary of the assassination of St. Oscar Romero, the former archbishop of San Salvador.
The Mass, held in the chapel where Romero was murdered while celebrating Mass in 1980, saw the unauthorized participation of a female Anglican bishop at the altar and the display of banners opposing proposed gold mining, which went against Catholic liturgical norms.
In several photos released by Salvadoran media, a female Anglican bishop was seen behind the altar alongside other religious figures and activists, including the bishop of the Salvadoran Old Catholic Church, an anti-mining activist, and other bishops.
Some of the images showed banners with slogans against mining displayed in front of the altar, causing controversy during the event.
Supporting Environmental Protection and Human Rights in El Salvador
At a recent Mass in El Salvador, the message was clear: “No to mining, yes to life” and “Freedom for environmental defenders.” These powerful statements highlight the importance of protecting the environment and those who work tirelessly to defend it.
Statement from the Nunciature in El Salvador
Following the Mass on March 24, the apostolic nunciature in El Salvador released a statement emphasizing the importance of following liturgical norms during ecumenical celebrations. The statement reiterated that only the Liturgy of the Word, prayers, and the Our Father should be included in such services, with the altar reserved solely for the Eucharistic celebration.
The nunciature expressed concern over the unauthorized banners displayed at the end of the Mass, as well as the presence of an Anglican “female bishop” and anti-mining activist. These actions were deemed in violation of ecclesiastical law.
Sources from the Archdiocese of San Salvador confirmed that the banners were unauthorized and that the nunciature had already addressed the issue. The presence of the Anglican bishop and activist further raised concerns about the adherence to liturgical norms.
ACI Prensa reached out to the office of Archbishop José Luis Escobar the next day to inquire about the irregularities observed during the Mass. It is essential to uphold both environmental protection and religious traditions to ensure a harmonious and respectful coexistence.
