Commemorative Mass for El Salvador Martyrs to be Held at Holy Cross

In the early hours of Nov. 16, 1989, members of the Salvadoran military invaded the residence of six Jesuits at the University of Central America. The invasion resulted in the brutal murder of the six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her young daughter Fr. Ignacio Ellacuria, Fr. Ignacio Martin-Baro, Fr. Amando Lopez, Fr. Segundo Montes, Fr. Juan Ramon Moreno and Fr. Joaquin Lopez y Lopez were martyred for standing in solidarity with the poor and persecuted of El Salvador. Julia Elba, the housekeeper, and her 15-year-old daughter, Celina, were murdered for witnessing the crime. In 1991 a Salvadoran jury sentenced two military men to jail for a maximum of 30 years for their role in the murders. Just two years later both men were amnestied.

On Friday, Nov. 16, the daily 12:05 p.m. liturgy in Mary Chapel will be in held in memory of the six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter murdered in El Salvador. Rev. Dennis Yesalonia, S.J., general council for the College, will perform the liturgy. Following the liturgy a prayer will be offered over the plaque of remembrance in Saint Joseph Chapel plaza (weather permitting). All are welcome to attend.