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Scranton University programs recognize Jesuit martyrs

The University of Scranton will remember the lives, mission and murder of six Jesuit priests and educators, their housekeeper and her daughter that occurred in El Salvador 20 years ago.

A series of events will mark the 20th anniversary of their martyrdom.

According to the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, university president, in a notice sent to the campus community, “What happened at the University of Central America in 1989, as well as the need for continued solidarity with the third world, is critically important to Jesuit higher education and to our mission here at Scranton.”The university will offer a Mass to commemorate the Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex.

In addition, Scranton Jesuits, faculty and staff will meet with students to discuss their recollection of hearing the news 20 years ago during an event planned for Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge of the DeNaples Center.

A Latin American Film Series commemorating martyrs is also planned for later this academic year.

Over the past 20 years, the university of Scranton has not forgotten the Jesuit Martyrs.

Since 1999, Scranton students, faculty and staff have participated in the Bridges to El Salvador, a program founded by former rector and campus minister at Scranton, the Rev. Brendan Lally, SJ, to foster a greater commitment to justice issues. In 2001, the university dedicated Martyrs Grove in an area near Campion Hall to serve as a reminder of the importance of their lives.

“For students at The University of Scranton, and other Jesuit and Catholic colleges and universities, the Martyrs of El Salvador remind us to be the voice for the voiceless,” said Thomas MacKinnon, executive director of the university’s “Pride, Passion, Promise, Campaign.”

“We need to be present to the voiceless, to witness their struggle and to speak on their behalf.”

In January, Pilarz will lead the senior administrators at Scranton in a pilgrimage to El Salvador to witness firsthand the legacy of the Jesuit Martyrs. As a team, they will reflect on the conditions in El Salvador and try to find ways to incorporate the legacy of the martyrs into each of their functional areas at the university.