Stanley Francis Rother (March 27th 1935-1981), martyr

   On September 23rd 2017, (Rev.) Stanley Francis Rother will be beatified in Oklahoma City. Pope Francis formally recognized him as a martyr on December 2nd 2016. "Padre Apla's," the Tz'utujil translation of his middle name, Francis, had dedicated his priestly life to the indigenous Tz'utujil people of Santiago Atitlan in Guatemala. He was murdered at age 46 by three unknown assailants who broke into his parish rectory on July 28th, 1981.
   I had first read about his life when I was studying theology in the 1980's and was saddened about his death. An ordinary life of a devout and compassionate priest turned into an extra-ordinary example! Stanley had volunteered in 1964 to work in Guatemala and immediately fell in love with the people and place where he was stationed. He mastered Spanish and the Tz'utujul language to minister to his parishioners who responded to his care. He established a farmers' co-op, a nutrition center, a school, a hospital clinic and a small radio station which was used for catechesis. A 'farm boy' himself, he enjoyed the simplicity and integrity of the native peoples who worked hard to earn a livelihood. The civil war and anti-Church climate in Guatemala were escalating and many innocent people lost their lives in the ongoing conflict between an authoritarian government and leftist guerrillas. The American Father Stanley was caught in the middle. Returning briefly to Oklahoma, the devoted priest decided to return to his adopted people asking for the prayers and financial help of his own family and friends. He believed that "a shepherd cannot run at the first sign of danger ..." He died for his convictions and love of the people he tried to protect. His martyrdom joyfully proclaimed God's love for the poor of Santiago Atitlan.
   Perhaps we may never understand such bravery; but, we can always admire and connect with his love of others in the midst of danger, especially widows and orphans for whom all of us are called to help. 
   May Blessed Stanley, (a.k.a Padre Apla's) be an inspiration to all of us. How grateful we are for his example!