Archbishop John signs a copy of The Romero Rosary for our School

On Wednesday, 12th February, our Headteacher, Mr. Shields, attended the launch of Archbishop John Wilson’s new book, The Romero Rosary, at Amigo Hall. We were delighted when Archbishop John personally signed a copy of the book for our school.

In the book's introduction, Archbishop John explains that its purpose is twofold: first, to help us pray with and to Our Lady, alongside St. Oscar Romero, so that we may grow in our love and service of Christ and each other; and second, to deepen our friendship with St. Oscar by becoming familiar with his words of preaching. Archbishop John invites us to explore the traditional mysteries of joy, light, sorrow, and glory, drawing on both the Scriptures and St. Oscar’s words. Additionally, the book introduces what he calls the Romero Mysteries—mysteries of charity, compassion, mercy, justice, and peace.

For our school, The Romero Rosary holds particular significance. It not only helps us focus our prayers on Mary, our school’s patron, but also enables us to continue embedding Catholic Social Teaching into all aspects of our work and life. St. Oscar Romero’s commitment to social justice and human dignity resonates deeply within our school community.

The way Archbishop John Wilson describes the book’s purpose is especially meaningful—it is not only about praying with St. Oscar, but about growing in love, charity, compassion, mercy, justice, and peace, which are core values of Catholic teaching.

Archbishop John describes St. Oscar as "a saint for our time," emphasizing his unwavering faith in Christ and his dedication to defending human life and dignity. St. Oscar calls us to love Jesus and Mary and to put our faith into action. The rosary provides a beautiful means of praying with him, united in spiritual friendship, and seeking strength to live out our discipleship each day.

Our archdiocese also shares a special connection with St. Oscar Romero. St. George’s Cathedral houses the National Shrine to St. Oscar, which features a large Romero Cross containing Archbishop Romero’s zuchetto (skull-cap) and a piece of the alb he was wearing when he was martyred on 24th March 1980. Additionally, Romero House, located next to the cathedral, serves as the headquarters for CAFOD, the organization that supported Archbishop Romero’s work in El Salvador.