Martyred missionary becomes first U.S. born priest to be beatified.History was made today, as Oklahoma priest Stanley Rother was beatified in front of a packed convention center in Oklahoma City. Over 15,000 were in attendance at the ceremony, with thousands more watching it through a live stream.
In attendance were Blessed Stanley Rother’s sister, Sr. Marita Rother, as well as Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, and Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Cardinal Amato said of Rother during his homily, “In a time of great turbulence in Guatemala, Fr. Rother lived as a disciple. Everyone admired his ability to serve and work together.”
“He didn’t hate, but loved. He didn’t destroy, but built up. This is Blessed Stanley Rother’s invitation to us,” Cardinal Amato said.
Today’s event was only the second beatification to take place on U.S. soil. Blessed Miriam Teresa was the first, beatified in 2014 in New Jersey.
During the Mass it was announced that his feast day each year would be July 28.
Let’s pray to Bl. Stanley Rother today by using the new Collect (Opening Prayer) that will be heard each year on his feast day.
O God,
who gave your priest Blessed Stanley
the heart of a pastor and the fidelity of a martyr,
grant, through his intercession,
that the humble flock may reach
where the brave Shepherd has gone before.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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The martyrdom of Father Stanley Rother, native of Oklahoma
