Blessed Stanley Rother, born in 1935 in Okarche, Oklahoma, grew up on a farm and later discerned a vocation to the priesthood. Known for his generosity and dedication to his faith, Stanley was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in 1963. After several years of pastoral work in Oklahoma, he volunteered to serve as a missionary in Santiago Atitlán, a small village in Guatemala, where he arrived in 1968.
In Guatemala, Father Stanley immersed himself in the community, learning the local language, assisting with farming, and building schools and clinics. He became deeply loved and respected by the indigenous people for his compassion, humility, and commitment to their well-being.
During the Guatemalan Civil War, tensions rose between the military government and the local population. Father Stanley openly advocated for justice and peace, speaking out against violence and human rights abuses. Despite threats to his life, he refused to abandon his mission and the people he served.
In 1981, amidst escalating violence, Father Stanley was assassinated in his rectory. His death was a profound loss to the community and to the Church, but his legacy of faith, courage, and love for the poor and marginalized lives on.
Practical Lessons:
Lesson 1: Courageous Witness to Faith: Blessed Stanley Rother’s fearless commitment to his mission and his people teaches us the importance of bearing witness to our faith in challenging circumstances. His courage in the face of danger inspires us to stand up for justice and to defend the rights and dignity of all people.Lesson 2: Love for the Poor and Marginalized: Stanley Rother’s deep love and solidarity with the indigenous people of Guatemala demonstrate the Christian call to serve others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed. His example challenges us to reach out in compassion to those in need and to work for social justice and equality.
Prayer to Blessed Stanley Rother:
Heavenly Father, you blessed your servant Stanley Rother with courage and compassion to serve your people in Guatemala. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to live our faith boldly and to work for peace and justice in our communities. May we imitate his selfless love and dedication to building your kingdom on earth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
