Screening of the film, Of Gods and Men, in honor of the martyrs of El Salvador
To commemorate the El Salvadoran martyrs: The six Jesuit faculty members at the University of Central America and the Jesuit community's housekeeper and her daughter who were murdered on November 16, 1989...The three religious sisters and one laywoman who were raped, mutilated and murdered on December 2, 1980...and the victims of the El Mozote massacre who were killed on December 11, 1981... The Center for Community Service and Justice will be screening, Of Gods and Men, a French film (subtitled in English) that portrays the true story of a Muslim community and the Trappist monks who lived alongside it, as both collectively struggled to endure the tide of violence that swept across Algeria during its civil war in the 1990's. Light refreshments will be offered, and following the film a few invited panelists will offer their reflections and help facilitate a brief discussion. All Are Welcome! Please call ext. 5251 or email spirituality@loyola.edu if you have any questions. Each year, a line of white crosses is placed on Loyola's Academic Quad in memory of the martyrs of Central and South America, honoring those who have been killed because of their faith and their commitment to standing up for the rights of those who are voiceless. Twenty two years ago, six members of the Jesuit faculty at the University of Central America were violently murdered by military forces in El Salvador on November 16. These men were priests, steadfast in their faith; men of truth, committed to peace and justice for the poor. Alongside them, the Jesuits’ housekeeper and her daughter were killed; two Salvadoran women who represent the thousands of innocent casualties in the struggle against injustice, violence and oppression. We also remember the three religious sisters and one laywoman who were murdered, raped, and mutilated on December 2, 1980. These American women dedicated their lives providing food, transportation and other assistance to the people who were marginalized in El Salvador. As you cross the Quad this month, please remember the individuals whose lives have been given in sacrifice for the freedom and liberation of the people of Central and South America. 
“The reasons why so many people are being killed are quite complicated, yet . . . many people have found a meaning to life, to sacrifice, to struggle and even to death! And whether their life spans 16 years or 60 or 90, for them their life has had a purpose. In many ways, they are fortunate people.
. . . . I hope you come to find that which gives life a deep meaning for you. Something worth living for, maybe even worth dying for, something that energizes you, enthuses you to keep moving ahead.
I can't tell you what it might be. That's for you to find, to choose, to love. I just encourage you to start looking and support you in the search.”
Ita Ford, M.M., in a letter to her 16-year-old niece | 
