Sister Dianna Ortiz and El Salvadors Bishop Medardo E. Gomez Soto have more in common than just their Roman Catholic faith. Both have suffered unspeakable crimes in Latin American countries because of their work for peace and, despite the risk, continue to speak out against political injustice in their homelands. These deeds earned them both the Oscar Romero Award. Dominique de Menil started the award, which was named after Bishop Oscar Romero, who was assassinated in 1980, in order to honor human rights activists in Latin America. Ortiz and Gomez will speak at todays event, Oscar Romeros Legacy, about the impact winning the award had on their lives and their continued work for peace.
There is sure to be no shortage of inspiring material, either. Sister Ortiz was kidnapped and abused in Guatemala, and is now the executive director of Torture Abolition and Survivors Coalition International. Bishop Gomez ministers over a country that continues to suffer the effects of civil war and crippling poverty. 7:30 p.m. Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross. For information, call 7135249839 or visit www.rothkochapel.org. Free.
Wed., April 16, 7:30 p.m., 2008
This article appears in Apr 10-16, 2008.