Saint Oscar Romero of the Americas, Presente!

SAINT OSCAR ROMERO OF THE AMÉRICAS, PRESENTE!
Justice in El Salvador for the LGBTIQ Community
Delegation: October 13-20, 2018

In October 2018, the long-awaited canonization of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero will take place. One ceremony
at the Vatican, in Rome, is presided by the Pope. The other celebration takes place in San Salvador at the Fiesta del
Pueblo. Salvadorans from all walks-of-life are gathering to commemorate and honor Archbishop Romero as the first
Salvadoran saint.

This recognition is a vindication of his fearless defense of the voiceless, the poor, and oppressed – a cause for which he
literally gave his life. Oscar Romero’s faith and sacrifice continues to fuel working for justice for all Salvadorans, including
the LGBTI community. Our delegation supports the Fiesta del Pueblo and stands in solidarity in the fight for equality and
human rights for our persecuted LGBTIQ siblings.

ALDES (Asistencia Legal para la Diversidad Sexual–El Salvador) promotes the human rights of the Salvadoran LGBTIQ
community through policy reform. ALDES is organizing this this 8-day delegation to celebrate and continue fighting for
all that Archbishop Romero represented in his work for a more just world.

Please join us in this once in a lifetime, historic delegation. Registration deadline: August 31, 2018

 

DATES: Saturday, October 13- Saturday, October 20, 2018

PRICE: $950. This 8-day trip includes bilingual guides, ground transportation, lodging (double occupancy), all
meals, and recreational activities and donations to local LGBTIQ nonprofit organizations. Does not
include airfare or insurance. The delegation is limited to 12 participants for maximum benefit.

SIGN UP: To sign up, contact us at rhinamercedesramos@gmail.com or send a message via the ALDES Facebook
page. Registration deadline is August 31, 2018. Please send us an e-mail requesting the application to
register.

ITINERARY:
OCTOBER 13 Arrive in San Salvador: Meet and greet fellow travelers, guides, interpreters, and drivers. Guesthouse
and delegation orientation. Take a guided tour through the city of San Salvador. Enjoy dinner with
Salvadoran activist guests.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
Fiesta del Pueblo: attend this extraordinary public ceremony and honor the life and work of
Archbishop Oscar Romero and all those who gave their lives during the Salvadoran civil war in pursuit
of freedom, equality, dignity and respect. Learn of Oscar Romero’s legacy and how his canonization
inspires current struggles and future triumphs.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Visit and Meet Local LGBTIQ NGOs: Meet the members and leaders of those fighting for justice on
the front lines, and learn about their human rights work in El Salvador.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
LGBTIQ Media Training for Salvadoran Journalists: This is the first such training, creating awareness,
visibility and acceptance of LGBTIQ civil rights. Attend the opening of the training and meet
journalists from El Salvador. The training will raise awareness on how to best report on LGBTQ issues.
Wine and Cheese: Return in the afternoon and join our Wine & Cheese closing celebration with the
media and journalists.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
Welcome to Rio Bajo Lempa: Travel to Ciudad Romero. Meet the Mangrove Association environment
conservation program, environmentalists, and youth leaders. Visit the community radio station,
Radio Mangle.

Lunch at Conacaste, dinner at a women-led community eatery, and overnight stay in Ciudad
Romero.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Sea Turtle Hatchery & Boating Through the Mangroves: Learn about innovative local mangrove
forest restoration initiatives while enjoying a unique boat ride in the company of the local community
environmentalists.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Beach Day on the Beautiful Coast of El Salvador: Rest, relax, and reflect! We’ll enjoy a one-night stay
at Joya del Pacífico (don’t forget your bathing suit!)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Departure: Be prepared to leave a part of your heart in El Salvador as you undergo a life changing
experience full of awakening, love, and joy!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: Ministerio Latino (Plymouth United Church of Christ), EcoViva