November 16, 2019 was the thirtieth anniversary of the martyrdom of the six Jesuits, their cook and her daughter at the Jesuit university in San Salvador. Two years earlier, I met all the future martyrs. The university’s president, Fr. Ellacuria, gave a very passionate speech on the sufferings of these poor people. The Jesuits were killed because they had incorporated their search for peace and justice into every aspect their university: in philosophy, theology, sociology, publishing, etc. One year after their deaths, with copious tears, I attended the annual celebration of their martyrdom.
I see them when I contemplate Jesus dying on the cross between two thieves. Jesus demonstrates his Kingship by willingly giving his life for the poor sinners of this world. By his faithfulness in suffering with and for us, we name him our Lord and King. From that day in 1989, I know our Jesuit martyrs are with Jesus in Paradise.
—Fr. Louis McCabe, SJ, is a retreat director at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau, LA.