Blessed Stanley Rother – American Missionary and Martyr of Guatemala

BLESSED. STANDLY ROTHER

Blessed Stanley Rother was an American priest martyred in Guatemala for defending the rights and dignity of the poor; he became the first U.S.-born martyr officially recognized by the Church.

Blessed Stanley Francis Rother was born on March 27, 1935, in Okarche, Oklahoma, USA, into a devout Catholic farming family. Raised with a strong work ethic and deep Catholic values, he pursued a vocation to the priesthood despite early academic difficulties. He was eventually ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City–Tulsa in 1963 after completing his seminary studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland.

In 1968, Fr. Rother answered a missionary call and joined the diocesan mission in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, a remote indigenous village by Lake Atitlán. There, he dedicated himself to the Tz'utujil Mayan people, learning their language, translating the New Testament into Tz'utujil, establishing medical clinics, and improving agricultural techniques. He became known as "Padre Apla’s" or "Father Francis" to the locals and lived simply, working alongside the people he served.

As Guatemala descended into civil unrest, Stanley Rother found himself increasingly targeted due to his outspoken defense of the poor, his denunciation of injustice, and his refusal to abandon his flock. Despite threats to his life and a brief return to Oklahoma, he chose to return to Guatemala, stating, "The shepherd cannot run at the first sign of danger."

On July 28, 1981, three armed men entered the rectory and assassinated Fr. Rother in cold blood. He was shot in the head for refusing to be silenced, becoming a martyr for the faith and the first U.S.-born priest to be formally recognized as such by the Catholic Church. His heart, a symbol of his love and sacrifice, remains enshrined in the church where he was martyred.

Pope Francis beatified him on September 23, 2017, in Oklahoma City, making him the first American-born martyr officially beatified. His life continues to inspire priests, missionaries, and all the faithful to serve with courage, humility, and love, especially in the face of injustice.

Feast Day

28-7-

Birth Date

27-3-1935

Died Date

28-7-1981

Canonised Date

23-9-2017

Oklahoma, USA

Blessed Stanley Rother, faithful servant and martyr for Christ, inspire us to courageously live our faith and defend the dignity of the poor. Intercede for missionaries and all who serve in danger. Amen.
BLESSED. STANDLY ROTHER

Video Not Found

BLESSED. STANDLY ROTHER

The information on this website is compiled from various trusted sources. While we aim for accuracy, some details may be incomplete or contain discrepancies.

If you notice any errors or have additional information about this saint, please use the form on the left to share your suggestions. Your input helps us improve and maintain reliable content for everyone.

All submissions are reviewed carefully, and your personal details will remain confidential. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy and value of this resource.

Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
Wikipedia – General reference content and images
Anastpaul.com – Saint images and reflections
Pravachaka Sabdam (Malayalam) – Saint-related content and insights

We sincerely thank these authors and platforms for their valuable contributions. If we have unintentionally missed any attribution, please notify us, and we will make the correction promptly.