Mission to Love: 30 Days with Óscar Romero
Great Spiritual Teachers
Todd Walatka
John J. Kirvan (Series Editor)
ISBN 9781646804542
eISBN 9781646804559
ASIN B0GP928MRZ
This is the eighteenth volume in the Great Spiritual Teachers series I have read, it is also the most recent, published in 2026. Two Years ago I read my first book in the series, it was Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc by Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, and loved it and the concept of the series. I have read one almost every month since that first one, and if I can track down all the out of print, will do so until I finish all 24 released to date in the series. This one jumped to the top of my list as soon as it released. First it was an eBook, which with my dyslexia is easier to read. Second was the subject Óscar Romero.
The description of this volume states:
“Most know St. Óscar Romero as the courageous archbishop of El Salvador who spoke out for the poor and oppressed, ultimately giving his life as a martyr for justice. Yet Romero was also a man of profound prayer and contemplation whose intimate relationship with Christ shaped every act of his advocacy and care for the people of El Salvador.
Mission to Love offers a thirty-day retreat drawn from Romero's homilies, with daily readings, brief prayers, and evening reflections designed to draw you into God's presence. Each day invites you to walk alongside Romero, encountering the Gospel demands that shaped his courage and compassion, and meeting Christ in all people-- especially the poor and marginalized.
Through this retreat, you will discover Romero's vision of authentic Christian life and the radical call to carry out a true mission of love in a world marked by suffering. This was the call that inspired so many and ultimately cost him his life. Today, it remains a prophetic message our Church and world urgently need.
Part of the Great Spiritual Teachers series, this book provides a month of daily readings from one of the Catholic Church's most beloved spiritual guides--perfect for anyone seeking to ground their spiritual life in prayer, reflection, and the enduring wisdom of the saints.”
About the series we are informed:
“Each book in the Great Spiritual Teachers series provides a month of daily readings from one of Christianity's most beloved spiritual guides. For each day there is a brief and accessible morning meditation drawn from the mystic's writings, a simple mantra for use throughout the day, and a night prayer to focus one's thoughts as the day ends. These easy-to-use books are the perfect prayer companion for busy people who want to root their spiritual practice in the solid ground of these great spiritual teachers.”
About the author and editors for this volume we are informed:
“Todd Walatka is a teaching professor and the assistant chair for graduate studies in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, where he also chairs the Romero Studies Working Group at the Kellogg Institute.
He earned a doctorate in systematic theology from Notre Dame. His areas of specialization include post-Vatican II Catholic theology, Latin American theology, Catholic social teaching, and Christian spirituality.
Walatka is the author of Words of Life: The Preaching of St. Óscar Romero, an accessible introduction to the preaching of St. ÓscarRomero. He is also the editor of Óscar Romero and Catholic Social Teaching, which examines the life of Romero in light of contemporary work for justice and human development.
He lives with his wife and children in South Bend, Indiana.”
and:
“John Kirvan (1932-2012) wrote primarily about classical spirituality. He conceived the 30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher series and edited most of its seventeen titles. Kirvan's other books include God Hunger, Silent Hope, Raw Faith, and There Is a God, There Is No God.”
and also:
“Óscar Romero (August 15, 1917 - March 24, 1980) was the Archbishop of San Salvador and a courageous voice for the poor and oppressed in El Salvador. Amid rising violence and injustice, he spoke out against human rights abuses and defended the dignity of the vulnerable. He was assassinated while celebrating Mass, ultimately giving his life as a martyr for justice. He was later canonized as a saint, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.”
I believe there are 18 volumes in this series currently in print, but only 16 of those have digital editions. There are also a number that are currently out of print, The oldest I have seen are from the late 1980’s and it looks like they went through a rebranding and format change in the mid 00’s, and they have undergone yet another rebranding in the 2020’s including some new titles available in the series.
I must admit I do not recall running across this series prior to that first volume on Joan. I have however added all of them to my ‘to be read list’. I love the all recent rebranding, and hope Ave Maria completes the rebranding across all volumes. I hope also that Ave Maria brings back into print some of the volumes currently not available; specifically the volumes on John of the Cross, Evelyn Underhill, Mother Theresa and others. This specific volume was released in 2026, making it the newest in the series.
The sections in this volume are:
Timeline
Who is Óscar Romero?
How to Use This Book
Thirty Days with Óscar Romero
Notes
The Image of the Good Shepherd
One of the distinctions about this volume is that all of the excerpts are from Óscar Romero’s sermons and lists the date or dates the sermons were given. Five are from homilies for priest who had been killed, and one is from a speech while accepting an honorary degree.
While reading this I numerous passages, so many that I exceeded the 10% Ave Maria allowed for export, so some of them are:
“During Romero’s first period in San Salvador (1967–1973, with his ordination as auxiliary bishop in 1970), he was neither a strong supporter nor a fierce opponent of these movements for change. He had always had a heart for the poor and believed that the Church must respond to those in need. Yet he also worried that some groups—including certain priests—were becoming too radical, reducing the message of Jesus to one of politics and economics.”
“But Romero was already changing; he wasn’t going to be the meek leader they expected.”
“Over the next three years, Romero became a tireless advocate for all those trampled upon and marginalized by society. He spoke about politics and economics, but always as a pastor who simply wanted the Church to live out the message of Jesus.”
“Romero’s preaching became a national event. Broadcast over the radio each Sunday, his program became the country’s most popular one of the week.”
“As you read this book, you will encounter Romero’s vision of authentic Christian life—his vision of what it means to carry out a true mission of love in a world marked by so much violence and suffering. But more than that, you will encounter his prophetic call to live that life.”
“The books in the Great Spiritual Teachers series provide an introduction to the spiritual insights and wisdom of some of history’s most extraordinary saints. Through these pages, you’re invited to a place beyond mere reading, into an experience of daily prayer and meditation. You’ll be accompanied by a spiritual teacher whose wisdom will awaken, enrich, and empower your walk with the Lord.”
“I will never tire of proclaiming this word to you, brothers and sisters: conversion. . . . Conversion is like turning around and changing direction. . . . It means turning toward God and turning ever more fully toward God.”
“I also know that I can be self-centered, prideful, and demanding. I look around and do not truly see your beloved children. Instead, I see inconveniences or ways to get what I want. Help me to see the world as you see it. Help me to feel the infinite value and preciousness of every person I encounter, to know that to meet a human being is no ordinary thing. The cashier at the grocery store, a child walking to school, a nurse caring for a patient: Each is truly your wondrous work. And I, too, am your beloved.”
“Give me the grace to see the world as you do. Help me to accept your love and to know that I am your beautiful creation.”
“I see within myself a restlessness. I can be like a worker bee constantly buzzing about trying to maintain the hive and build a good life. This work is a necessary part of life, but it can distract me from you, Lord. Transform this tension into a holy restlessness, into a constant desire to love as you do.”
“Together, the service of Martha and the prayer of Mary fulfill our Christian call to holiness. As I think back through my day, was I more like Martha or Mary? Did I find the right balance, bringing these two together into a single life devoted to God?”
“Lord, give me wisdom to know where I need to grow. Help me to turn to you as my one center and source; help me to see the world in your light. Renew me to do your will in the world. Above all, increase my capacity to love.”
“Lord, thank you for the diversity of vocations in the Church. Thank you for the priests and bishops who serve you at the altar and preach the Gospel; thank you for the religious brothers and sisters who make vows to consecrate their lives to you. Remind me that I, too, have a vocation to preach the Gospel and consecrate myself to you. There are not higher and lower ways to serve you.”
“The best microphone of God is Christ, and the best microphone of Christ is the Church—and the Church is all of you.”
“Wherever you are, in your vocation as a religious sister, a married person, a bishop, a priest, a student, a university professor, a day laborer, a worker, a market vendor, wherever you are, you must intensely live your faith. In your place, be a true microphone of our Lord God.”
“We are all microphones of something. We eagerly share what brings us joy and delight; we often will complain to anyone who will listen. What did I share with others today? What did I announce with my words and deeds? What did I proclaim loudly for anyone around me to hear?”
“Christian faith is not ultimately a matter of having the best moral code; nor is it about having the most convincing philosophy; nor is it even about creating the most loving community. Christian faith is an encounter with Jesus Christ, and everything else flows from that.”
“The Gospel can be uncomfortable.”
“What would it look like for the Gospel to transform not just any country but my country? Not just any city but my city? Not just any family but my family? Not just any life but my life?”
“What would I want someone to share at my funeral? How do I want to be remembered? What would my friends and family recall with great joy and fondness? What would they say was the center and mission of my life? What did my life proclaim?”
“I am just one person, but, just like Grande and Romero, I am called to respond to the needs of the world around me. I am called to bring true hope and true mercy into this suffering world. My faith must be my foundation and inspiration. It must be translated into social action that responds to the dignity of those around me. And above all, my faith must be carried forth in love.”
“The Church’s vision of liberation is first of all inspired by faith. And this is who Fr. Rutilio Grande was: a priest, a Christian who, through his baptism and priestly ordination, made a profession of faith: I believe in God the Father, revealed to us by Christ his Son, who loves us and invites us to love. I believe in a Church that is a sign of the presence of God’s love in the world, where people reach out to one another and encounter one another as brothers and sisters.”
“I know you call me to action in this world, action to serve others and build up my society. But help me to keep my faith at the center. Even as I do my work like Martha, let me be grounded in you like Mary. And ultimately, help me to never be satisfied by anything other than the love you have given to me.”
“What we need is the authentic doctrine the Church offers to humanity. How illuminated our world would be if everyone grounded their social action, their entire existence, their concrete commitments, even their political views and economic dealings on the Church’s social teaching!”
“I can feel myself swept up by the fervor of those I agree with. But what comes first in my life and my vision for the world? Is it a political party or your Gospel? Am I a disciple of a worldly movement or a member of the Body of Christ? Help me to hear and heed your warning: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Help me to follow these words of yours above every earthly institution.”
“I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper.”
“I shudder to think of the number of times I have given you Cain’s answer: I am not my brother’s keeper. How many times have I simply walked past someone in need?”
“Lord, make you and your peace the deepest desire of my heart. Send me forth to be an instrument of your peace in my community and in your world.”
“Lord, help me to love others as they need to be loved.”
“With whom did I walk this day? Who did I accompany in the difficult journey of this life? With whom did I share your love, even with just my presence?”
“Help me to see all people as my brothers and sisters; help me to feel that all those around me are my family—even those who seem to reject you in everything they do.”
“Help me to find time to pray for my enemy—not just with empty words but with the piety of the saints. Give me the strength to truly long for each person to find your love and live in that love.”
“Let Christ the King, our Lord, shine his light into your homes, your workplaces, your farms, your businesses, your shops, and all your daily labor.”
“Lord, you call me to conversion every day, and your love is always here in my midst. Help me to hear the call of that love: Be converted!”
“You call me to bear fruit in a world in need of great healing. Guide me in this work. In a world of so much violence, teach me to sow peace. In a world of so much injustice, give me the wisdom and courage to bring your justice. In a world of so much suffering, make me an instrument of your mercy and healing. I know what I offer will be little, but I trust you will transform it to bring hope to this world.”
“Lord, you came into this world so that each one of us might have life in you and have that life abundantly. You are the God of Life who brings life out of our suffering, weakness, and even death.”
“Lord, give me eyes to see society as it truly is, both the good and the bad. Help me to judge the world around me by your truth and your Gospel, not by the aims of political groups or by my own comfort. And give me the courage to act on what I know is true.”
“Óscar Romero’s final words were a prayer for his people. His life was a gift of service, poured out to bring peace and justice to a world flooded by violence, selfishness, and injustice. He knew your love, Lord, and he saw the preciousness of every human life. He became a defender of the poor. What prayer can I offer for my people this day? What can peace and justice look like in my community?”
“Romero’s words and witness inspire me, but they are also challenging, even unsettling. I cannot simply remain where I am or as I am. I may be comfortable here, but this very day, I must take the next step in the journey toward you. Give me the courage and confidence to trust that your love will accompany me as I seek to share your peace and mercy in this world.”
“You call me this day and every day to turn to you with faith, hope, and love. You call me to see others as you see them: as my brothers and sisters. You call me to conversion.”
Each day follows the same format with three main sections:
MY DAY BEGINS: “As the day begins set aside a quiet moment in a quiet place to do the reading provided for the day
The passages are short; they never run more than a couple of hundred words. They have been carefully selected, though, to give a spiritual focus, a spiritual center to your whole day. They are designed to remind you, as another day begins, of your own existence at a spiritual level. They are meant to put you in the presence of the spiritual master who is your companion and teacher on this journey. This is especially true of this journey with Catherine of Siena. The readings are her report of God’s words to her, God’s side of the dialogue. And since the purpose of the passage is to remind you that at every moment during you are in the presence of a God who invites you continually, but quietly, to live in and through him, what better source than the words of God himself?”
ALL THROUGH YOUR DAY: “Immediately following the day’s reading you will find a single sentence, a meditation in the form of a mantra, a phrase meant as a companion for your spirit as it moves through a busy day. Write it down on a 3" x 5" card or on the appropriate page of your daybook. Look at it as often as you can. Repeat it quietly to yourself, and go on your way.
It is not meant to stop you in your tracks or to distract you from responsibilities but simply, gently, to remind you of the presence of God and your desire to respond to this presence.”
MY DAY IS ENDING: “This is a time for letting go of the day, for entering a world of imaginative prayer … This exercise is not meant to last more than a few minutes. End it when you are comfortable doing so. It has two parts. The first, in keeping with Catherine’s model, is a personal response to the words spoken by God in the day’s reading. Just as God has spoken to you, so you speak to God. Second, you are invited to turn to the familiarity of a prayer based on Catherine’s own words. It is an act of trust and confidence, an entryway into peaceful sleep, a simple evening prayer that gathers together the spiritual character of the day that is now ending as it began—in the presence of God.
It is a time for summary and closure.”
A sample day is:
“DAY 13
My Day Begins
Homily of the Funeral Mass for Fr. Rutilio Grande, Manuel Solórzano, and Nelson Lemus, March 14, 1977
The Church’s vision of liberation is first of all inspired by faith. And this is who Fr. Rutilio Grande was: a priest, a Christian who, through his baptism and priestly ordination, made a profession of faith: I believe in God the Father, revealed to us by Christ his Son, who loves us and invites us to love. I believe in a Church that is a sign of the presence of God’s love in the world, where people reach out to one another and encounter one another as brothers and sisters.
It is this light of faith that allows us to distinguish true liberation from the merely political, economic, or earthly liberations that remain trapped in ideologies, self-interest, or purely worldly aims. . . . The liberation that Fr. Grande preached is inspired by Christian faith—a faith that speaks of eternal life. And now he, with his face turned toward heaven and accompanied by two poor peasants, offers this faith in its fullness and perfection. This is the liberation that ends in joy, in God.
All Through The Day
Let us truly be a community of brothers and sisters to one another.
My Day Is Ending
St. Augustine once said that the Christian life is an “exercise of holy desire. You do not yet see what you long for, but the very act of desiring prepares you.” I desire so many things in this life, so many good things. It is easy to let the goods of this world become my ultimate desire. Yet, what I desire deeply shapes who I am and who I will become.
Christ tells us, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well” (Mt 6:33). Lord, help me to trust you enough to put you and your kingdom at the center of my life. Do not let me make a political ideology or a political program my god.
I know you call me to action in this world, action to serve others and build up my society. But help me to keep my faith at the center. Even as I do my work like Martha, let me be grounded in you like Mary. And ultimately, help me to never be satisfied by anything other than the love you have given to me.
Teach me to long for the fullness of joy that you have promised and the love that you have already given. Give me the strength to share that love and to build up your Church as a place where we can truly encounter one another as brothers and sisters who journey in, with, and toward you.”
I hope those quotes and sample day give you a feel for this volume. I have now read 18 books in this series from the 24 I believe have ever been in print. And this is one is an excellent addition to the series. I was really blessed by this volume I have recommended it to a number of friends.
I have benefited from every volume I have read in the series and I have now completed more than half of them. I have now read 18 volumes in this series, and currently working on a nineteenth I can state this is another great offering in the series. I find that some speak to me more than others. I can state I benefited from the month with each person being profiled. If I went back and did a volume again at a different point or season in life I might interact with it differently. I already plan to circle back to the volume on Joan and some of the others and reread them once I have completed the series, and this would be towards the top of that list.
This is a great read, it is one I really enjoyed reading. I can easily recommend this volume, and the series as a whole, and I look forward to reading others in the series. If you have not given any in this series a try this would be an excellent starting point or whichever one seems to call to you.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books in the Great Spiritual Teachers Series:
Abide in love: the Gospel spirituality of John the Evangelist – John Kirvan
Fear Not the Night - John of the Cross and John Kirvan
God Awaits You Based on the Classic Spirituality of Meister - Richard Chilson
Grace Through Simplicity - Evelyn Underhill and John Kirvan
Love Without Measure - Mother Teresa and John Kirvan
Where Only Love Can Go - The Cloud of Unknowing and John Kirvan
