We have lost a spiritual leader and tireless human rights defender who left an indelible mark on the modern history of Central America, establishing himself as a global advocate for transitional justice. Father José María Tojeira was an emblematic figure for the Salvadoran people, who made history through his relentless pursuit of truth and justice in the case of the brutal murder of six of his fellow Jesuit priests and two of their collaborators at the hands of the army during the civil war in El Salvador. Fr. Tojeira was one of the first to witness the massacre, which occurred at the catholic university in El Salvador, the Central American University José Simeón Cañas (UCA). Despite having to wait 30 years to finally be able to testify before a court, he never gave up. He continued his mission, always guided by his faith and his unwavering commitment to the direct victims of the massacre and to the many others who suffered similar fates.
In the decades that followed, Father Tojeira held several key roles. He served as Provincial of the Jesuits in Central America, as a Professor and President of the Central American University (UCA), as Director of the Human Rights Institute at UCA (IDHUCA), and, before his passing, as parish priest of El Carmen Church in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. From there, he also led the charge to denounce and seek justice for the recent illegal confiscation of the Jesuit university by the dictatorial Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua.
Through his example and his constant support for human rights and democracy defenders throughout Central America, he inspired and encouraged many to join – or to persevere in – the struggle for these causes. As he recently reminded us:
“Defending rights and demanding the fulfillment of duties is the only way to protect democracy and peaceful coexistence. And we must not lose heart. If we all defend rights, no one can turn a country into a prison for everyone. My respect to those who suffer for defending them.”
In 2023, we had the honor of welcoming him to Notre Dame as keynote speaker and celebrant of the commemorative mass for Saint Romero during Kellogg’s Romero Days – a canonized Salvadoran martyr. On that occasion, Fr. Tojeira shared these words:
“Romero, guided by his religious faith, knew how to live out the hope of a reconciled and generous society – and remained in resistance for it until his death. That is why today, united with his life and his example, we continue to celebrate him. His death, which once provoked outrage and tears, is now remembered with joy… . Ultimately, we understand it as a symbol of life and a source of inspiration for all people of goodwill."
Today, the people of Central America – and especially his beloved El Salvador – mourn the passing of Fr. Tojeira. Yet, like Saint Romero, his legacy will remain a source of inspiration for those who carry on. Fr. Tojeira, or Padre Chema, as we all knew him, will be deeply missed, but his life and teachings will continue to inspire us. May he rest in peace, and may we never forget the lessons he left us.
To learn more about Fr. Tojeira’s work on transitional justice, listen to Kellogg’s Global Stage podcast, Defense of Human Rights and Transitional Justice in El Salvador (in Spanish), recorded during his visit to Notre Dame by alumna Isabel Guiza Gómez and graduate student Patrick McQuestion.