Born March 27, 1935, Stanley Rother grew up in Okarche, Oklahoma on a farm and attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School. His childhood consisted of doing chores, schoolwork, sports, altar serving, and enjoying his small town life.

He discerned the priesthood in high school and was accepted as a seminarian at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. He finished seminary at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was ordained May 25, 1963 and served as an associate pastor in Oklahoma for five years. 

Stanley later served the Diocese of Oklahoma's mission in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala serving the tribe of Tz'utujil celebrating the mass in their native language and translating the New Testament. He spent most of his time eating in their homes, administering to their sick, and helping them farm.

While in Guatemala, a civil war between guerillas and militarist government forces led to Catholics getting caught up in the middle of the conflict, many of whom were killed. After being placed on a death list, Stanley Rother returned to Oklahoma, but returned to Santiago Atitlan shortly after saying "the shepherd cannot run". 

After a few months, three men entered the rectory and executed Fr. Stanley Rother on July 28, 1981.

Bl. Stanley Rother is recognized as a martyr of the faith, becoming the first martyr from the United States and first US born priest to be beatified. His feast day is celebrated on July 28.

Blessed Stanley Rother, pray for us!

For more information about Bl. Stanley Rother, visit this page!
https://archokc.org/stanleyrother