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Today's agenda was quite full. We woke up and began to prepare ourselves for the long van ride. After about an hour on the road we arrived at Divine Providence Chapel. It was in this historic place that Oscar Romero, the former archbishop of San Salvador and advocate for the poor and underprivledged, was assainated during the middle of a mass. We celebrated the eucharist and enjoyed the last mass that the group would spend together. After a few pictures in the beautiful church we walked across the street to visit the place where Romero lived.
As we walked through the archway to Romero's house, it was impossible not to notice the gorgeous garden. We were told that it was in this garden that Oscar Romero's heart was burried. The house was small and simple, containing only three plain rooms. The first section of the house contained several pictures of this great man with his people, his book case perfectly preserved, and other personal articles like this glasses. In the second room, the one which I felt was most moving, hung the vestiments he was wearing while he was shot. The robes were stained with dried blood and puncutered with a singular bullet hole. The third room was his bedroom. All his clothes were still in the closet and his sheets on the bed. After our tour of the house we returned to the vans and headed for lunch.
Many of us were excited to eat in a large chain restaurant. At Pizza Hut we dined together and celebrated Mrs. Boyle's birthday. Next we departed for the University that was started long ago by Jesuits. Upon arrival we visited yet another breath-taking church. Along the sides of the parish walls hung slightly graphic drawings of the prisoners being tortured during the war. After the church we walked to the Garden of Roses created to commerate the six Jesuits and two women who were also assainated. In the garden, red rose bushes were planted where the men were found and yellow roses grew where the bodies of the women were found. Also at the University we had a chance to purchase posters and books. Finally, we departed for the market.
The group began their shopping in lovely handcraft market. We purchased jewelry, religious items, woven blankets and many other carefully and expertly made goods. Then we headed back to the CFCA center for dinner and our final meeting and talent show.
Although our last full day spent together was busy, it was very enjoyable. This trip has changed many of our lives and we will never forget all that we have learned.
-Meghan Friedman
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