IN THE NEWS
“American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” gives eloquent testimony to the courage, faith and dedication of an otherwise very ordinary man who loved passionately the people entrusted to his care and placed their welfare ahead of his own. An excellent documentary and an inspiring witness to the power of faith and love when put to the test in a time of extreme danger. Blessed Stanley Rother sacrificed his life for his people and for the Lord long before he sealed that sacrifice with his blood.”
-Most Rev. Anthony B. Taylor, Bishop of Little Rock and first episcopal delegate for the Blessed Stanley’s sainthood cause
What Bishops are Saying
“American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” accurately portrays the sanctity, heroism, and pastoral zeal of a great contemporary missionary priest. I pray that this film will inspire and motivate a new generation to serve God and neighbor in committed sacrificial love.”
-Most Rev. Daniel H. Mueggenborg, Bishop of Reno
"The life of Blessed Stanley Rother should be experienced by everyone. Like all of our holy martyrs, Blessed Stanley shows us in such vivid terms what true discipleship always demands. It is the laying down of one's life for love of God and others. Blessed Stanley's life and death is one more beautiful imitation of Our Blessed Lord 's eternal love for him and for us."
-Most Rev. David D. Kagan,
Bishop of Bismarck
"As a priest and now a bishop, I find Blessed Stanley Rother’s life and ministry inspirational! He literally gave his life in service and ministry to his people. As the shepherd of his people, he knew that he could not run from threat, fear, or danger. He needed to be with his people and feed them spiritually, socially, and ultimately with his very life, following the example of Jesus. I encourage and invite you to learn more about Blessed Stanley by watching this movie."
-Most Rev.Jeffrey Fleming,
Bishop of Great Falls-Billings
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) These words of our Lord aptly describe Blessed Stanley Rother, the farmer, the priest, and the martyr, who so loved his people that he did not flee danger so that he could be with them. The Stanley Rother Story recounts his life from his childhood in Oklahoma to his priestly ministry in Guatemala, calls upon the viewer to ask, “How is God calling me to serve him in serving others? How is God asking me to make a gift of myself?” The life of Blessed Stanley Rother serves as a witness to all of us so that we may follow the Lord more authentically.”
-Bishop John F. Doerfler,
Diocese of Marquette
“This film is an exceptional rendering of an American martyr whose heart was with his people in life and is enshrined with them in death. He did not run, and in giving his life for the sheep he joined the company of martyrs gathered around the throne of the Lamb of God. The blood of the martyrs, indeed, irrigates the soil making it fertile for the spread of the Gospel and God’s Kingdom.”
-Bishop Joseph Kopacz,
Diocese of Jackson
New documentary brings ‘farm boy’ martyr Blessed Stanley Rother to wider Church
(OSV News) — Francisco Bocel remembers the night three assassins forced him to bring them to Father Stanley Rother. Bocel shared how he still carries that traumatic moment with him — one of many being featured — in an upcoming documentary on the life of the slain priest.
Catholic Momcast Episode 409: Introducing Blessed Stanley Rother
María Ruiz Scaperlanda is the promoter of the canonization cause for Bl. Stanley Rother. She is also an award-winning Catholic author and journalist whose books have explored the lives of saints, missionaries and other inspiring figures of faith. She is the author of “The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma,” a widely praised biography of the first American-born priest recognized as a martyr by the Catholic Church. A frequent speaker and commentator, Scaperlanda is known for bringing compelling stories of faith, courage and holiness to a broad audience.
Documentary on Oklahoma-born priest martyred in Guatemala comes to theaters in August
(Zeale) — Blessed Stanley Rother, who was murdered in 1981 after returning to keep serving the faithful of Santiago Atitlan, has become known as “the shepherd who didn’t run.”
“Be the best that we can be,” Bishops’ leader urges on USA’s 250th Anniversary
(Aid to the Church in Need) — Archbishop Paul Coakley expresses gratitude for America’s many blessings – and offers an example of someone that US Catholics could emulate.
Press Release
Official Trailer
The official trailer for "American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story."