OSCAR ROMERO'S LEGACY: Sister Dianna Ortiz and Bishop Medardo E.
Gomez Soto discuss the effect winning the Rothko Chapel's human
rights award had on their lives
By Julia Youssefnia
Published: April 10, 2008

Sister Dianna Ortiz and El Salvador's Bishop Medardo E. Gomez Soto
have more in common than just their Roman Catholic faith. Both have
suffered unspeakable crimes in Latin American countries because of
their work for peace and, despite the risk, continue to speak out
against political injustice in their homelands. These deeds earned
them both the Oscar Romero Award. Dominique de Menil started the
award, which was named after Bishop Oscar Romero, who was
assassinated in 1980, in order to honor human rights activists in
Latin America. Ortiz and Gomez will speak at today's event, Oscar
Romero's Legacy, about the impact winning the award had on their
lives and their continued work for peace.

There is sure to be no shortage of inspiring material, either. Sister
Ortiz was kidnapped and abused in Guatemala, and is now the executive
director of Torture Abolition and Survivors Coalition International.
Bishop Gomez ministers over a country that continues to suffer the
effects of civil war and crippling poverty. 7:30 p.m. Rothko Chapel,
1409 Sul Ross. For information, call 713–524–9839 or visit
www.rothkochapel.org. Free.
Wed., April 16, 7:30 p.m., 2008