On Saturday, October 6, 2018, the neighborhood of Cabanas in Ciudad Delgado came together to honor their former archbishop who will be canonized by Pope Francis in a ceremony at the Vatican on October 14. Msgr. Romero was killed by army troops during the celebration of Mass at the chapel of the hospital of the Carmelite Sisters of Divine Providence on March 24, 1980. Romero had encouraged the people to stand up for their human rights and for the army not to participate in the death squads against their own countrymen.

The neighborhood celebration was organized by the people of Cabanas, including the Carmelites residing at Centro Xiberta, the Carmelite formation house, which is located in the neighborhood.

The day began with a procession from Centro Xiberta. A picture of Msgr. Romero surrounded by flowers was carried in the procession. After arriving at the chapel in Cabanas, there were traditional Salvadoran dances and songs. There was a short presentation on the life of Romero with a focus on his upcoming canonization.

The day included a theatrical presentation by the Carmelite students of Msgr. Romero’s life, his pastoral ministry, and death. The celebration concluded with a Mass celebrated by Fr. David Blanchard, O. Carm., the pastor of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. Following the Mass, refreshments were offered to all those who participated in the festivities of the day.

The procession beginning at Centro Xiberta, the Carmelite formation house in Central America. On the gates of the property is the Carmelite shield and a painting of Blessed Oscar Romero.

The procession making its way through the neighborhood. Despite the torrential downpour, many people continued to join the procession as it passed their homes.

The procession arriving in Cabañas, where there is a chapel/meeting hall for the people of the neighborhood.