soonercatholic.org September 17, 2017 archokc.org Go Make Disciples The virtue of America’s first Model of missionary discipleship By María Ruiz Scaperlanda A life of discipleship For the Sooner Catholic Stanley Francis Rother was raised in a staunchly In a world that idolizes MVPs, lauds superheroes Catholic, German farming family in the farmhouse and glorifies celebrities, for someone to be described where he was born on March 27, 1935. He attend- as ordinary could be taken as an insult. ed Holy Trinity Catholic School for 12 years, and in Yet, one of the most inspiring things about Stan- between seminary semesters, Stanley returned to help ley Rother – the farmer from Okarche – is precise- with the harvest. ly how average and ordinary he was. Life for the Rother family centered on the family, “His is a verification that God the farm and on the Church and its traditions. From can do great things with relatively ‘insignificant’ an early age, Stanley and his four siblings (a people,” explained Bishop Daniel sister died in infancy) Mueggenborg, auxiliary bishop learned the impor- for the Archdiocese of Seattle and an Okarche native. “God chose a tance of prayer and of humble in Nazareth (an out praying together as a of the way, no-place village) to be the family. Mother of His Son. In the same way, After supper every God chose a priest from a remote rural night, they knelt by part of who couldn’t their chairs around learn Latin and barely passed the kitchen table to seminary to be the pray the Rosary. Daily Proto-Martyr for the and seasonal religious !” practices “were inte- Father Rother’s life grated into our daily is a reminder that he- life,” said his sister, roic holiness is accessible to each Sister Marita Rother, A.S.C. “We prayed a lot together one of us, “if we want it. It’s that as a family, and I know that’s what drew us closer.” simple … and it’s that challenging.” It is in this ordinary life that Stanley first experi- are local. They come from enced a personal encounter with the Good Shepherd, ordinary places like Okarche and where he learned what it meant to live as a of Santiago Atitlán, yet their holy Jesus. This is where he learned to be a man of prayer, witness strengthens the Church universal. continued on page 16

Kansas nun shares memories of her A message from brother who is on path to sainthood Archbishop Coakley ... By Christopher M. Riggs She was at the Adorers of the Marita told the Catholic Advance, Blood of Christ convent in Wich- newspaper of the Wichita Diocese. WICHITA – Sister Marita Roth- ita when he left to study for the “We were both rather quiet. I didn’t er really didn’t get to know her priesthood. even tell my friends until short- “He went to the seminary right brother, Father Stanley Rother, ly before I left that I was actually after high school,” she said, adding as a priest until she visited him in leaving (to become a nun).” that he didn’t tell his parents of in the 1970s. Still, she and her three brothers his interest in the priesthood until were close to one another and to after he graduated. “We never talked about it,” Sister continued on page 16

n Saturday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. – a once Oin a lifetime event will take place in to honor one of our own – Fr. Stanley Rother. I invite each one of you to take the time to join me and Cardinal Amato in the beat- ification of Fr. Rother at the Cox Convention Center. This is an historic event for the United States and for Oklahoma that you don’t want to miss! Please see the insert in this Sister Marita Rother, a member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, holds a edition for more information picture of her brother, Father Stanley Rother, a priest of the Oklahoma City Archdiocese, who will be beatified Sept. 23 in Oklahoma City.CNS photo/ or visit stanleyrother.org. Christopher Riggs, Catholic Advance. 2 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic September 17, 2017 3

Put Out Into the Deep Luke 5:4 Find more St. Kateri center opens at St. Gregory’s

news on the By Dana Attocknie Deacon and Mrs. Callison, is that serve the people in Indian Terri- met,” Abbot Lawrence said. “It can A personal Invitation The Sooner Catholic they’re just friendly. They present tory. become a good partner with the website SHAWNEE – The American a public witness and a public re- “The development of the cam- university to both enhance the source, which I just find is beau- Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, beatification and canon- Indian Catholic Outreach (AICO) pus and the mission that’s al- experience of our university stu- tiful.” dents and to bringing the various ization, and to make his By Sooner Catholic Staff for the Archdiocese of Oklaho- ready here just seems very com- The vision statement for the cen- plimentary to the center,” Abbot resources of the university to the When I returned for my second year at Mount story of generous pas- ma City opened the Saint Kateri Additional coverage of Tekakwitha Spiritual Center of ter states, people.” Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., everyone was toral charity and coura- Church and archdiocesan Oklahoma Aug. 28 on the campus “The pur- Abbot Law- talking about the death of Father Stanley Rother, an geous sacrifice known to pose of the Oklahoma priest who had been killed at his mission news and events, only on of Saint Gregory’s University in rence said the world. center is to parish in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. He was a www.soonercatholic.org. Shawnee. The spiritual center is a he hopes the Following the exam- ministry of the AICO. provide the “Mount” alumnus. It was big news; in all of the news- spiritual cen- ple of Jesus, the Good a “The center is there as part of Spiritual papers. It captured my attention and fired my imag- Archbishop Paul S. Coakley To send photos, event ter, “becomes the new evangelization effort that and Corpo- ination. From that time on I have always been eager Shepherd, Father Rother information or story ideas, something that Archbishop Coakley has instituted ral Works to learn all that I could about the life of this heroic had poured his whole heart and being into serving e-mail [email protected]. will survive all in the archdiocese,” said Deacon of Mercy to his parishioners. During his years of priestly minis- of us. To see parish priest. Roy, AICO coordinator. “We are American try he was being transformed into a living icon of the a Catholic Charities that something So, in 2010, as soon I accepted my new appoint- there not only to evangelize, but Indian Peo- Due to recent changes at goes to the ment to become the next Archbishop of Oklahoma Good Shepherd by the spirit of the living God dwell- also to re-evangelize those who ple through Catholic Charities, anyone next genera- City (even before it had been announced), I drove to ing within him. He gave his all; as Christ gave his all. have drifted from the faith.” the blending seeking adoption or preg- tion we have to Okarche, Okla., incognito to visit Father Rother’s God has blessed the Church in Oklahoma with this As with most days, Deacon Roy of Catholic nancy services should call spirituali- lay good foun- gravesite and his boyhood parish. I was struck with opportunity to share our good shepherd and native and his wife Susan set up an (405) 523-3007. ty and the dations.” the solemn realization that it now was my responsi- son with the whole world and to hold up his example information table on Sept. 6 in bility to carry forward the cause for Father Rother’s Find more information at teachings of One of the of holiness for generations to come. the middle of Rockwood Center catholiccharitiesok.org. on campus. Not long after they the Catholic first students On Sept. 23, we will celebrate set up, students Krystal Lopez Church with to visit Dea- the life of Venerable Servant of and Brendon Johnson walked to American con Roy and God Stanley Francis Rother at his the table filled with books, bro- Indian tradi- Susan when Beatification in downtown chures and Bibles. As they picked tions and they arrived on Oklahoma City. The ceremony will up pamphlets and rosaries, they culture.” campus was The cen- be only the second beatification began visiting with Deacon Roy Students Krystal Lopez and Brendon Johnson visit the information table set up by Heath Stew- ter also is Deacon Roy Callison and his wife Susan Aug. 6 in Rockwood Center at St. Gregory’s and Susan. The students learned ard, a biology in the United States and the first “committed University in Shawnee. Photo Dana Attocknie/Sooner Catholic. about the new center, the annual sophomore. He beatification of a U.S.-born priest to the heal- Saint Kateri Honor Dance held on said it’s nice and martyr. This once-in-a-lifetime ing and reconciliation of American campus and where the new office Lawrence said. to see an additional resource on event should not be missed! Indian people under the guidance @archokc was located. He also recognized that Saint campus and to have a resource Please join me, Cardinal Amato, “I think it’s great. I didn’t know of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma Gregory’s is the only Catholic uni- City.” specifically geared to the American bishops, priests, deacons, religious about it,” said Lopez, an exercise versity in the state, and they have Archdiocese of Saint Gregory’s President Mi- Indian population. and lay faithful from across the science senior. “Now, I can spread an extensive collection of Amer- Oklahoma City chael Scaperlanda said one of the “I would encourage everyone to United States and Guatemala as we the word. I’m happy they’re here. ican Indian art and artifacts at What they do is good.” strategic goals of the university is go and see what the center can do honor an ordinary man who was Arquidiócesis de the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. Johnson, also an exercise sci- to further cement their relations for them,” Steward said. “It would called to do extraordinary things. Oklahoma City Plus, Shawnee is in the center of ence senior, is Seminole and said with American Indians. He jumped be nice to see more people get in- We are all called to be saints. We it’s “cool” the center is at Saint at the opportunity for the spiritual the state and provides good access volved with the community.” praise and thank God for raising up Gregory’s, and that he’ll be at the center to be on campus. from the interstate. The center is open to everyone. this heroic witness and exemplary Saint Kateri Honor Dance next “Another one of our strategic ini- “The center really does become The office is in Benedictine Hall, model of priestly holiness for the year. tiatives is to an effective outreach at proclaim- Rm. 015. For more information, “The dea- be the center ing the Good News, and looking to contact Deacon Roy at (405) 878- whole Church. Through his beatifi- Saint con and his of Catholic the spiritual and practical needs cation, we gain a powerful interces- Spiritual Center of Oklahoma 5495. wife, are like culture for of American Indian people that Dana Attocknie is managing edi- sor in Blessed Stanley Rother. May soldiers on the state of perhaps is not currently being tor of the Sooner Catholic. he continue to pray for us as we the front lines American Indian Catholic Outreach Oklahoma. Archdiocese of Oklahoma City seek to follow the path where the tending to So, they run brave Shepherd has gone before us. our students. St. Gregory’s University, together, They’re there Benedictine Hall, Room No. 015 Catholicism Sincerely yours in Christ to answer and American questions that For more information, contact Indian mis- go beyond Deacon Roy Callison sion, and so ‘where is this (405) 878-5495 it’s a wonder- office?’” said ful opportu- Prayer for the Cause of Lily Bermu- nity for us. Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley of Father dez, Saint We had some Archbishop of Oklahoma City Stanley Rother Gregory’s dean of students. “I space and we see them as collaborators to the welcomed them here,” Scaperlanda O God, fount of all holiness, mission of the university, which said. “This really is a location that make us each walk worthily is a faith–filled mission, to help a will be a benefit to our students, Archbishop Coakley’s Calendar in our vocation, through the person academically, spiritually, but it also will draw people from intercession of your Saints, on socially, culturally, ... and for me the community here as they do The following events are part of Archbishop Coakley’s official calendar. whom you bestowed a great I see them as the kind of aid that programing and the Honor Dance variety of graces on earth. we need to engage our students every year. This is a place that if Sept. 17 – Annual Youth Interfaith Tour, 1:30 p.m., The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, OKC Having graced your Church spiritually.” you’re American Indian or if you’re Sept. 19 – Presbyteral Council Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Catholic Pastoral Center with the life of your priest Stephen Zaborowski, director of Catholic or if you’re both, this is a place to be.” Sept. 19 – Mass, 11:30 a.m., St. Chapel, CPC and martyr Stanley Rother, alumni and donor relations, said Rt. Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, Sept. 21 – Mass, 9 a.m., Center of Family Love, Okarche grant that by his intercession having the AICO and the spiritu- al center on campus is fantastic, O.S.B., abbot of Saint Gregory’s Sept. 22 – Opening Mass for Archdiocesan Teacher In-Service, 8:30 a.m., Bishop McGuinness Catholic High this humble flock may reach and is another example of how the Abbey, said other locations were School where the brave shepherd Catholic mission is flourishing. considered for the spiritual cen- Sept. 23 – Beatification of Venerable Stanley Francis Rother, 10 a.m., Cox Convention Center, has gone. “This spiritual center really ter, but they kept going back to OKC Grant that your Church may demonstrates our commitment to Saint Gregory’s. He said it’s a Sept. 26 – Mass, 11:30 a.m., St. Francis de Sales Chapel, CPC proclaim him a saint living in your presence and interceding the mission of outreach to Amer- natural choice for the center to be Sept. 27 – St. Vincent DePaul Society Mass and dinner, 6 p.m., CPC for us. ican Indians. That’s how Saint there because it touches on the Sept. 30 – Passion and Purpose Conference with Matthew Kelly, 6 p.m., Cox Convention Center, OKC Through Christ our Lord. Gregory’s got started with the original founding of the monastic Oct. 1 – Mass and “Mortgage Burning” celebration, 10:30 a.m., St. Mark, Norman Amen. monks 142 years ago,” Zaborowski community there, when in 1875 Oct. 1 – Archbishop’s picnic for clergy, religious, CPC staff and board members, 5 p.m., CPC said. “A beautiful thing I see with the monks came to Oklahoma to 4 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic September 17, 2017 5 New Catholic Charities office in Ardmore The seeds of delight that Christ sowed in already helping residents

By Charles Albert financial assistance and, most im- a limited budget and works with Stanley’s heart The Sooner Catholic portantly, family hope services. five to six families per week who This column has been a long time in the example of this passion to share Christ, this ing mo- His one-man office handles all “Give a man a fish and you feed have financial emergencies. making. You can even say that my previous passion to “Go Make Disciples,” is his love for ment. the above duties and has visited Ardmore has a large number of him for a day. Teach a man to fish columns on saints and have been the Word of God and his desire to share Christ, Father Pedro A. Moreno, with more than 740 clients. His and feed him for a lifetime.” immigrant families and 10 percent leading up to the Living Word of God, with others. Stanley O.P. No. 1 goal is to help people “break Gerald Johnson is not a fisher- of Johnson’s time is devoted to this one. My The people he served in Guatemala spoke a Director, Office of Most Reverend the cycle of multi-generational pov- did this man, but three years ago he took helping immigrant needs. He also theory was that unique language, Tz’utujil, and they couldn’t well and Hispanic Ministry Paul S. Coakley a new and erty.” works closely with various church- by understand- hear God’s loving words from scripture because Many of the did this Archbishop of Oklahoma City now teach- es to help with the needs of immi- ing other saints there was no Tz’utujil or Bible. clients may often. Publisher es people to grants. and martyrs I He was convinced that this was necessary and not have their Father change their Johnson said Juan Jimenez, di- would better continued the project to translate the New GED or worked Stanley Rother was open to God’s loving pres- lifestyles and rector of Hispanic Ministry at Saint know and un- Testament. Diane Clay For more information about with a budget. ence in His Word, in the Eucharist and open “learn to fish.” Mary in Ardmore, derstand Father He would be martyred before he could see the Editor Catholic Charities in Ardmore, They often are to God’s loving presence in the community of is a great resource with the parish Stanley Rother. project come to completion, but the project was He has been contact (580) 788-2305 or go on- living pay- faith he so loved and served. In a letter dated the director of providing a number of programs to Each one of them is a model of Christian completed. Today, many can read about Jesus Dana Attocknie line to http://catholiccharitiesok. check-to-pay- Nov. 16, 1980, that begins “My Dearest Frank- the Ardmore assist immigrants. Johnson ar- living. Each one of them shines because they Christ in the Gospels because of what Father Managing Editor org/regional-offices. check with no reflect the love and presence of God to us. They Stanley worked on so many years ago. ie,” I found a sentence that for some unknown regional office ranges for occasional immigration contingency are friends of God and they show this by lives This intentional dis- reason has resonated in some way within me. of Catholic attorneys who are fluent in Span- plan for emer- of loving and sacrificial friendship to those they ciple is God’s instru- “When I hear the people during Mass here on Charities for the Archdiocese of ish to come from Oklahoma City gencies. Most have never had the ministered to. ment in going out and Sunday or Thursday, the cacophony of prayers Volume 39, Number 18 Oklahoma City. to Ardmore to provide seminars opportunity to work one-on-one Holy men and women not only love God making more disciples going up to the Lord, His presence must be Johnson is in charge of seven on the “dos and don’ts” for immi- with someone who can offer both intensely, they also want to share their God through the Tz’utujil there. I am delighted to be a part.” Sooner Catholic Newspaper counties in southern Oklahoma. support and assistance. grants. of love with others and help them fall in love New Testament, which Father Stanley Francis Rother – the Word of His duties range from helping Under the Emergency Financial Charles Albert is a freelance writ- 7501 Northwest Expressway with this wonderful God who is love and has is still in use today! God delighted him because there is love in that immigrants, providing emergency Assistance Program, Johnson has er for the Sooner Catholic. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 shown us His love in His Son, our Savior, Je- His desire to share Word. The sacraments, and above all the Mass, (405) 721-1810 sus Christ. To have this strong desire to share Christ with the Guate- delighted him because God’s love is present in Jesus, to share God’s Good News of love is the malan people also was Fax: (405) 721-5210 every sacramental celebration. The people he heart of true discipleship. manifest in his love for served delighted him, their prayers delighted E-mail: [email protected] Peaceful, prayerful 40 Days for Life campaign And let’s be honest here, there is no greater every liturgical cele- him, because God’s loving presence is there. Mailing Address: sign of being intentional in your discipleship bration. I love the pic- P.O. Box 32180 kicks off Sept. 17 ministry than being willing to give your life for tures of Father Stanley His priesthood delighted him because it gave him a unique opportunity to respond to God’s Oklahoma City, OK 73123 the sake of the Gospel. Father Stanley could baptizing children and The 40 Days for Life campaign pledging to conduct themselves in facilities, and 40 days of grassroots have come back to Oklahoma, but as our celebrating Mass. loving call and to love others in a special way. will start with a rally at Catholic a Christ-like manner at all times. educational outreach. The 40-day friend from Okarche has so clearly stated “The Every sacrament we celebrate is an encoun- Christ delighted him because Christ is love Visit us online at Pastoral Center, 7501 Northwest 40 Days for Life is a peaceful, time frame is drawn from examples shepherd cannot run.” That is intentionality. ter with, and a sharing of, our loving and life incarnate. www.soonercatholic.org Expressway, at 7 p.m. Sept. 17. intensive campaign that focuses on throughout Biblical history where I find in the life of Father Stanley Rother the giving Christ! When a sacrament is celebrated Stanley Francis Rother – a model of Christian Oklahoma City is one of more 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 God brought about world-changing example of an intentional disciple. The greatest well we are witnessing a unique disciple-mak- living and an intentional disciple. Visit the archdiocesan website than 300 cities conducting simul- days of peaceful vigil at abortion transformation in 40-day periods. at www.archokc.org taneous 40 Days for Life cam- paigns through Nov. 5. “We start this effort by draw- 27, 1961, at Holy Family Cathedral in Tul- associate , The Sooner Catholic ing members of the community Rev. James Stafford sa. He was a colonel in the U.S. Army, fourth Saint William, Los (USPS 066-910) is published together to share the vision of 40 infantry regiment, and received the National Rev. James Martin Stafford, 88, died Altos, Calif.; asso- biweekly except for once in July Days for Life and to pray for God’s Defense Services Medal. on Sept. 7 in Oklahoma City. ciate pastor, Saint by the Archdiocese of blessings on this effort. It is time Father Stafford devoted 47 years in active Presented by the University of Dallas and co-sponsored by the Diocese of Dallas Father Stafford was born on Dec. 11, 1928, Patrick, OKC; pas- to focus attention on the harm ministry to the people of Oklahoma, serving Oklahoma City. in Oilton, Okla., to Clay and Abbie Martin tor, Saint Barbara/ abortion has done to our city,” said as assistant pastor, , Holy Family, Lawton Dale Dirkschneider, coordinator of Stafford. He attended Seminole public schools, OKC; associate pastor, Saint , The newspaper is not responsible OCTOBER 19 - 21, 2017 received his bachelor’s degree from the Univer- Enid; chaplain at Enid State School and Saint and mission Saint 40 Days for Life. Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas - Hall C for unsolicited material. Speakers at the 40 Days for Life sity of Oklahoma, his master’s degree at the Ann Nursing Home, OKC; chaplain, counsel- Patrick, Walters; and Copyright © 2017 Sooner Catholic kickoff event include Archbishop University of Tulsa and attended Assumption or and teacher, Bishop Kelley Catholic High pastor, Blessed Sac- Coakley, Rep. Kevin Calvey and his LARGEST CATHOLIC CONFERENCE•IN THE SOUTHWEST! Seminary in . School, Tulsa; administrator, Saint Andrew, rament, Lawton. Subscription rate: $25 per year wife Toni, and Margo MacRobert, He was ordained to the priesthood on May Haskell; teacher, Edison High School, Tulsa; In addition archdiocesan coordinator of Ra- • • Saint John’s Bible will to his pas- for all who are not members of the • Open to all Catholics Rev. James Stafford - from general be featured at the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. chel’s Vineyard, and others. toral assign- parishioners to ministry liturgical art display ments, he Periodical postage paid at professionals - first handwritten illuminated bible of its served on the Worship Commission, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. • Over 90 Speakers, scale in over 500 years! Building Committee, Council of Priests, featuring: • Newly renovated Seminary Board, Archdiocesan Chap- POSTMASTER: Send address Fr. Tetlow, SJ meeting area with For information about lain of the Blue Army of Our Lady of changes to the Sooner Catholic, Fr. Seán Martin easily accessible 40 Days for Life, Sr. Johanna Paruch session rooms Fatima and as a Regional Vicar. Father P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, visit Brandon Vogt save Stafford retired in 2008. OK 73123. 40daysforlife/oklahomacity or Coleen Kelly Mast Father Stafford is preceded in death Donna Beegle contact Dale Dirkschneider at — Welcoming —• e by his parents. RESS AS [email protected] or The Mass of Christian Burial was A P SO MOST REV. EDWARD J. BURNS M C (405) 209-0309. Bishop of Dallas celebrated at the Saint Francis de O IA H T A I Sales Chapel at the Catholic Pastoral L BETTER O Register K N ALL by Center on Sept. 11 with interment at O NEWSPAPER “This will mark the start of 40 CATHOLICS 10/9/17 date Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7801 days of prayer and fasting with CONTEST Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma special attention to prayer in the WELCOME! 2 0 1 7 S O I R E E City. public right-of-way outside the Seton Memorial gifts may be made to Cath- abortion facility at 6112 N.W. 63 2 AWARD 0 in Warr Acres as well as various olic Charities of the Archdiocese of 1 6 E R W I N N types of community outreach. We Oklahoma City, 1232 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City 73106. look forward to seeing what kind For more info on tickets, sponsorships, or donations The Sooner Catholic of transformation God will bring contact Susan Starns at (405) 850-4239 Funeral arrangements were under is supported through the about in our city.” the direction of Smith & Kernke Funer- Annual Catholic Appeal. All prayer vigil participants are udallas.edu/dmc [email protected] 972-721-5105 972-721-4077 al Home, 14624 N. May in Oklahoma asked to sign a statement of peace, City. 6 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic September 17, 2017 7 Contagious Faith A method for our mission mentality shift Many years ago, I served on a team of mis- learn the skills and attitudes that enable us to Lord, dis- sionaries in Austria. Once, when I was attend- be missionaries in our own friendship circles, ciples ex- ing a German class, the volunteer teacher was neighborhoods and work places. perience Carole Brown helping me with basic conversational skills. This past summer, two events of critical im- the need Director of Naturally, one of the things I needed to learn is portance occurred in the Church in the United to share Evangelization how to ask what someone does for a living, and States to facilitate this mentality shift. One was with oth- and Missionary how to tell them what I do. So, when I told the the National Convocation of Catholic Leaders in ers their Discipleship Austrian lady that I was a missionary, she said, Orlando in which the bishops gathered with the joy by “But, what are you doing here? We are already faithful to evaluate our response to “The Joy of proclaim- Christian!” the Gospel.” The other was the publication of ing Jesus I was discovering that indeed, Austria was a the USCCB booklet “Living as Missionary Disci- Christ, not just with words, but also through country with deeply Catholic roots. In spite of ples.” service to those most in need” (LMD, p. 17). the impact of secularism, cultural Catholicism In both instances, a four-pronged “method- This methodology is deceivingly simple. was still alive and well. There were still crucifix- ology of missionary formation” was proposed: Moving in the direction of creating a culture of es hanging on the walls of stores, and even at encounter, accompany, community and send. missionary discipleship that permeates the at- the bank. Virtually all the historic bridges had 1. Encounter with Christ: “This encounter mosphere of our parishes will be complex – but a statue of Saint John Nepomuk must be constantly renewed by per- not impossible. It will mean prioritizing things on them. sonal testimony, the proclamation of we haven’t necessarily prioritized before to cre- Pentecost was even a national the kerygma … and the missionary ate opportunities for adult Catholics to have an holiday – though few took ad- action of the community. … Only out experience of discipleship. vantage of the opportunity to of the kerygma does the possibility It will mean giving explicit witness to our faith; celebrate the feast day by going of true Christian initiation occur” to overcome the tacit “don’t ask-don’t tell” agree- to Mass! Like so many Austrians, (LMD, p.11). ment that prevents spiritual conversations from my German teacher no longer 2. Accompany: “To create a culture being initiated in the public space. It will mean practiced the Catholic faith of her of encounter and witness, we must making counterintuitive decisions at times – childhood. And, that is why my live explicit lives of discipleship. We like prioritizing the discipleship of adults over colleagues and I were there, as are called not only to believe in the children – why? Because a discipled adult can missionaries. I soon learned that Gospel, but to allow it to take deep disciple their own kids – and other adults too! it was better not to tell people root in us in a way that leaves us It will mean eliminating some of the busyness this because of the possibility of incapable of silence. ... Of course, of the parish to direct resources and energy insult. Missionary activity, as far being a disciple is a challenge. We into accompanied discipleship initiatives, which as most Austrians were con- cannot live a life of discipleship are by their nature time consuming and labor cerned, was something that happened some- alone. We need others to model lives of disciple- intensive. It will mean improved, evangelical where else, to someone else and would be done ship and accompany us as we grow in the spir- (kerygmatic) preaching. It will mean a deepening by someone else. itual life and experience of ongoing conversion” commitment to pray with the Scriptures. It will What we are learning in the Church through- (LMD, p. 14-15). mean a renewed devotion to the Holy Spirit, who out the west is that a missionary mentality 3. Community: “Accepting the first proclama- is the principle agent of evangelization. And, it needs to become the central feature of our tion, which invites us to receive God’s love and will mean taking the long view. understanding of ourselves as Catholics. Catho- to love him in return, with the very love that is There are no microwave solutions. This kind lics of every rank are being asked to go through his gift, brings forth in our lives and actions a of change requires the commitment of decades a mentality shift that will enable us to see our primary and fundamental response: to desire, –indeed lifetimes. But, we can see this culture whole life through missionary lenses. In ev- seek and protect the good of others” (LMD, p. shift happening already in the Archdiocese of ery relationship we have, Jesus asks us to be 16). Oklahoma City wherever such commitments are his ambassador. In our day and age, we must 4. Send: “As they get to know and love the made. Vincent de Paul, Padre Pio and September saints By Ted King allowed to travel to Peking, China, They were brothers and physicians that help the poor. The Sooner Catholic where he encouraged the bishop in Syria during the Roman Empire. Saint Wenceslaus there to send priests to Korea. He It is believed they were born in what Sept. 28 is the feast day of Saint Saints Cornelius and wrote Gregory XVI, request- is present day Saudi Arabia. They Wenceslaus and Saint Lawrence Ruiz Sept. 16 is the feast day of Saints ing a diocese for Korea. Saint Paul cared for the sick without payment and Companions. Saint Wenceslaus, Cornelius and Cyprian. Saint Cor- Chong Ha-Sang was martyred for and were responsible for many con- also known as Vaclav the Good, nelius was a Roman priest who was his faith by the Korean authorities. versions as a result of their charita- was a Bohemian (modern day Czech the pope from 251 to 253. He led There are 103 Korean martyred com- ble work. Both are believed to have Republic) duke. He was murdered by the Church during an aggressive panions that are honored this day. been martyred in his brother while praying persecution under Emperor Decius. Saint Matthew the year 287 under in church in 938 and is was martyred by Sept. 21 is the feast day of Saint the reign of Emperor considered a martyr. He the Romans in the year 253. Saint Matthew, one of the 12 apostles. “As Diocletian. They are is the patron saint of the Cyprian, a barrister and later Bishop Jesus passed on from there, he saw the patron saints Czech Republic and its of Carthage (in modern day Tunisia) a man called Matthew sitting at the of physicians and capital, Prague. He also and Primate of Africa, was a con- tax office, and he said to him, ‘Fol- surgeons. is recognized as a saint vert who had personal wealth that low me,’ and he rose and followed Saint Vincent de in the Eastern Orthodox he gave away upon his conversion. him.” (Mt 9:9). Saint Matthew wrote Paul Church. Saint Cyprian was a great evange- the first Gospel and preached in Pal- Sept. 27 is the Saints list. He, like Saint Cornelius, faced estine (Israel) and Ethiopia, where feast day of Saint , and great difficulties in the midst of he was martyred in 60. Ethiopia is a Vincent de Paul Roman persecutions. Saint Cyprian Christian nation to this day. (1581-1660), a Sept. 29 is the feast was martyred in 258. Saint Padre Pio French priest known day of Archangel Saints Saints Andrew Kim Tae-Gon and Sept. 23 is the feast day of Saint for his works of Michael, Gabriel and Paul Chong Ha-Sang and Compan- Pius of Pietrelcina (1887–1968), charity. As a young Raphael. Saint ions better known as Padre Pio. He was priest he was taken Saint Sept. 20 is the feast day of Ko- a Capuchin friar who possessed the prisoner by the Mus- Wenceslaus Sept. 30 is the feast rean martyrs Saints Andrew Kim supernatural gift of the stigmata. lim Barbary pirates day of Saint Jerome Tae-Gon and Paul Chong Ha-Sang When he said Mass, his hands and and was a slave for several years. (347-420). He was a Roman citizen and Companions. Saint Andrew Kim feet, correlating to the wounds of He escaped and became an advo- born in Dalmatia (modern day Cro- Tae-Gon (1821-1846) was the first Christ, bled. He often was bedridden cate for ransoming slaves. In 1622, atia and Slovenia). He was a hermit Korean-born Catholic priest. He was on Good Friday. He also had the he founded a religious order, the and is a . Saint martyred in 1846 during the Joseon ability to read the souls of people Congregation of the Missions, known Jerome translated the Bible into Dynasty. He is the patron saint of who came to him for confession. today as the Vincentians. Pope Leo Latin, known as the Vulgate. The Korea. Saint Paul Chong Ha-Sang Saints Cosmos and Damian XIII proclaimed Saint Vincent de Eastern Orthodox Church also rec- (1794-1839) was the son of Catholic Sept. 26 is the feast day of Saints Paul the patron of all charitable as- ognizes him as a saint. converts. At age 15, he became the Cosmos and Damian, who are very sociations. There are Saint Vincent Ted King is a freelance writer for servant of an interpreter and was important in the Eastern Church. de Paul Societies in many parishes the Sooner Catholic. 8 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic September 17, 2017 9

When and where is the beatification? Cardinal , Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints The Beatification Mass is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Cox Convention in , will be the principal celebrant. Archbishop Coakley and more than 50 Bus Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Doors to the arena open at 8 a.m. other bishops will concelebrate. The Mass will last about two hours. Hotels Do I need tickets to attend? Can we give to the collection before the beatification? Registration Tickets are not required. It is open seating for the public. An overflow area is During the Mass, an offering will be taken for the benefit of the parishes in provided in the arena. Guatemala served by Father Rother through an endowment at the Catholic BRICKTOWN HOTELS Foundation of Oklahoma. If you would like to give online, go to stanleyrother. Will there be accessible seating for org/mass. AC Hotel Please register your charter bus or parish shuttle at stanley- wheelchair, walker or other special 411 E Sheridan Ave. rother.org. (214) 774-4650 needs? Do you have a list of restaurants? Nearby parking areas will be provided for buses and shuttles Frequently Yes. For assistance, use the elevators on the A list of restaurants is available online at stanleyrother.org. The Cox Conven- during the Beatification Mass. Find more details on lot loca- south end of the arena. A sign language inter- Aloft Oklahoma City tion Center is just west of the Bricktown area and within walking distance of tions and where to park buses at stanleyrother.org. preter also will be available. Downtown/Bricktown many restaurants. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can get infor- Doors open at the Cox Convention Center arena at 8 a.m. No Asked 209 N. Walnut Ave. mation from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau at (405) 297- tickets are required. What entrance should be used? (405) 605-2100 8912. For questions and other information, contact Deacon Norm Greeters will be at all four entrances of the Mejstrik at (405) 623-9453. Questions Cox Convention Center arena to direct you to Courtyard by Marriott seating and to answer questions. Are rooms reserved at hotels? 2 W. Reno Ave. A list of hotels near the convention center is available at stanleyrother.org. If (405) 232-2290 Where do we park? you do not have access to the Internet, you can get information from the Oklaho- ma City Convention and Visitors Bureau at (405) 297-8912. A list of parking locations is available in this issue and online at stanleyrother. Hampton Inn & Suites org. There is underground paid parking available at the convention center. Street 300 E. Sheridan Ave. parking is free on Saturday. Where is Fr. Rother buried? Can we visit? (405) 232-3600 If you need help or Father Rother is buried in a crypt in the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery in have questions at the Will there be parking for buses? northwest Oklahoma City. To arrange a visit/tour, call (405) 721-4191. In addi- Hilton Garden Inn Beatification, find a Yes. There will be two large parking areas for buses less than two blocks from tion, there is an exhibit about Father Rother’s life at the Catholic Pastoral Center 328 E. Sheridan Ave. Help person in a teal shirt the convention center. For specific bus and parish shuttle parking information, Heritage Gallery. For a special group tour, contact (405) 721-5651, Ext. 141. (405) 270-0588 with a button that go online to stanleyrother.org. Please register your bus at stanleyrother.org/bus. Exhibit hours are M-F 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and by special arrangement. says “Ask Me.” Holiday Inn Express and Suites Will we receive a program? What does beatification mean? 101 E. Main St. Everyone in attendance will receive a 120-page program in English and Span- Beatification is the last step before someone can be made a saint (canoniza- (405) 601-8900 ish, a commemorative coin, a prayer card, a special edition of the Sooner Catho- tion). More information is available at stanleyrother.org. lic and other items. Homewood Suites by Hilton Can we pray for a miracle? 328 E. Sheridan Ave. What should we bring? Yes, please pray for the intercession of Father Rother. A verified miracle is re- There will security at each entrance of the arena. They will search bags as peo- (405) 232-3200 ple enter. The smaller the bag, the better. No backpacks. Preferably no strollers. quired for him to be canonized. For information on how to document prayer and There is no food or drink allowed in the arena. his intercession, go to stanleyrother.org. Residence Inn 400 E. Reno Ave. What should we wear? Are there relics and other religious items for sale? (405) 601-1700 Comfortable clothing is suggested. Keep in mind it is a Mass. Not at this time. Father Rother must be beatified before anything is classified as a relic. You can download the prayer for canonization at stanleyrother.org. Sheraton Hotel ** Do we receive communion? 1 N. Broadway Ave. Catholics can receive communion. Communion will be distributed in each sec- Spanish-speaking callers (405) 235-2780 tion. You will find more detailed information in the event program. Contact: Ana Romero, (405) 709-2708, Ext. 108, or [email protected]. Who is celebrating Mass? Skirvin Hilton Hotel ** 1 Park Avenue 1-800-Hiltons Group Code MASS Rother NW OKC HOTELS Fairfield Inn and Suites ** 5700 NW Expressway commemorative (405) 470-8484 Must Call. Ask for church rate. coin *12 miles from Cox Convention Center Residence Inn Northwest ** 3151 NW Expressway Each person who attends Father Rother’s Beatification Mass at 10 a.m. on Sept. (405) 605-6666 23 will receive a commemorative coin commissioned by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma Must Call. Ask for church rate. City. *10 miles from Cox Convention Center This special coin features Father Rother’s image on the front, and an image of Fa- ther Rother’s parish in Guatemala, the date of the Mass and the archdiocesan crest **Discount Available at these Hotels on the reverse. Along with the coin, those in attendance will receive an official program from the Mass, a new Rother prayer card and a copy of the Rother Special Edition of the Sooner Catholic. The Beatification Mass is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. Doors at the Cox Convention Center arena open at 8 a.m. For more information about parking, hotels, restaurants and to register a bus or shuttle, go online to stanleyrother.org. stanleyrother.org 10 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic September 17, 2017 11 Official Rother biography honors life, witness of Parking first U.S. martyr By J.E. Helm at the mission, Archbishop Beltran when he learned that his name ready been there for hours, pray- The Sooner Catholic said, “the Church was truly alive was on a “death list” in Guatemala. ing, singing and crying together.” A long-awaited narrative of the under his pastorate.” At home in Oklahoma, he struggled The mourners filed past the open Two things strike the reader life and martyrdom of Servant of with the question of returning to coffin, and both men and women when reading through the God Stanley Rother is available in kissed the coffin. When the María Ruiz Scaperlanda’s book, pages of Scaperlanda’s Sheridan/Walker body was later taken to the “The book. One is how ordinary “The Shepherd Who Parking Father Rother was. Born on airport to be flown to Okla- Shep- herd Who an Oklahoma farm in 1935, Didn’t Run” homa, great crowds packed 510 W. Sheridan Ave. Didn’t he was raised in a very lov- the streets and reduced the (405) 297-2540 ing and very Catholic family by Maria Ruiz Cox Convention Center Run: procession’s movement to a 1,116 spaces Harvey/St. Joseph who frequently recited the Scaperlanda Parking Father snail’s pace. 28 ADA accessible spaces Parking rosary together after dinner. Stanley Rother, Martyr from Okla- In a Mass five weeks later, Four blocks west of Cox He was physically hard- Available at 1 Myriad Gardens homa.” Convention Center 433 N. Harvey Ave. Our Sunday Visitor, Bishop Angelico Melotto said (405) 232-3870 Since the release of the well-writ- working and mechanically 675 spaces Amazon and at your local at Saint James “The pres- 947 spaces ten and highly readable biography, inclined. “If it needed doing, Five blocks north and two blocks Catholic bookstore. ence of Father Francisco’s 24 ADA accessible spaces a Vatican commission has officially he did it. If it was broken, west of Cox Convention Center recognized the Oklahoma priest as he fixed it,” Scaperlanda blood will be an efficacious South of St. Joseph Old Cathedral a martyr and cleared the way for explained. sign that will remind coming No charge for Beatification Mass his beatification, which will be held Beyond the ordinariness generations of the great ap- Sept. 23 in Oklahoma City. of his life, the second thing that the mission, and Scaperlanda calls ostolic soul of this priest of Christ. “His people in Santiago Atitlan strikes the reader of Scaperlanda’s this period “his Garden of Gethse- don’t need an official declaration,” book is his truly awesome courage, mane.” He loved the parish community of Scaperlanda points out in her his strength and the Christ-like At his funeral, the coffin was Santiago Atitlan with all his heart.” conclusion. “They already affirm aspects of his martyr’s death. He borne by the men of the mission. J.E. Helm is a freelance writer for Padre A’plas as a saint, their saint, left Santiago Atitlan briefly in 1981 More than 2,000 people had “al- the Sooner Catholic. and they come to him daily asking for help and intercession — much as they did during the 13 years he Wills and Trusts Week 2017 in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City served as their priest.” Ch. 1 of the book describes “the Main Street Parking “For where your WILLS AND TRUSTS WEEK 2017 Century Center Parking Santa Fe Parking quiet, clear night” of July 28, 1981, treasure is, there Sponsored by these local parishes and the in the Guatemalan village when also will your Archdiocese of Oklahoma City 119 W. Main St. Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma three men broke into the rectory of heart be.” 100 W. Main St. (405) 232-2700 101 N. E.K. Gaylord Blvd. Luke: 12:34 Catholic Charities Saint James the Apostle and tried (405) 297-2540 1,100 spaces 1,518 spaces Monday Evening, October 9, 2017- 7-9 p.m. 805 spaces One block north and one 46 ADA accessible spaces to kidnap Father Rother. Blessed Sacrament Church 19 ADA accessible spaces block west of Cox Convention Two blocks northeast of Cox Father had once said, “I’m not 12 SW 7th St., Lawton, OK afraid of dying. I’m afraid of being One block north and one Center Convention Center Tuesday Evening, October 10, 2017 - 7-9 p.m. block west of Cox Convention tortured” and betraying his beloved Holy Trinity Church Center Tz’utujil natives. “They won’t take 211 W. Missouri, Okarche, OK me alive,” he said. Thursday Evening, October 12, 2017 - 7-9 p.m. He fought the three men “force- St. Church fully, so much so that skin was 3939 W. Tecumseh Rd., Norman, OK torn from his knuckles.” Finally, he was shot in the head at point- Monday Evening, October 16, 2017 - 7-9 p.m. St. Monica Church blank range and died. His body THE FINANCIAL DECISIONS 2001 N. Western Ave, Edmond, OK bore bruises from the assault.” His body was returned to YOU MAKE TODAY Tuesday Evening, October 17, 2017 - 7-9 p.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Okarche for burial, but his heart WILL DEFINE YOUR LEGACY 3214 N. Lake Ave., Oklahoma City and some of his blood were en- shrined at Saint James, symboli- Come to Wills and Trusts Week 2017 Sessions will be presented by local Catholic cally remaining with the people he estate planning attorneys. had served with such tender love. October 9— October 17 Admission is free to all Catholics. The book quotes many people Informative and spirit-filled sessions for Catholics in Oklahoma. who had known Father Rother Reservations are not necessary but wel- come. Refreshments will be served. You during his lifetime, a great deal Decisions about your estate plans are some of the most important you will don’t have to be a parishioner to attend a coming from his sister, a mem- make. Are you prepared? We can help. Catholics from all parishes are invit- ed to attend one of the information sessions during Wills and Trusts Week, session at any of the parishes. ber of the Adorers of the Blood October 9 – October 17. of Christ. Sister Marita Rother, Call, email or go online to make your reservation: The Local Parishes listed here, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, the (405) 721-4115 [email protected] A.S.C., provides the forward to the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma — financial stewards of the Catholic faith www.cfook.org book in which she focuses on the in Oklahoma and Catholic Charities — providers of vital services to those Please do not call the individual parishes for information. inscription on his ordination card, in need, combined to present this special program of information and prayer at this very important time in your life. Estate planning is the process of anticipat- “For myself, I am a Christian. For ing and arranging for the disposal of your as- the sake of others, I am a priest.” Stewardship: Giving Back to God In a call to all Catholics, Archbishop Paul Coakley said, “A Christian stew- sets when you die. There are four or five es- Sister Marita spent “two different sential legal documents that every adult summers, 1972 and 1975, working ard is someone who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cultivates them respon- sibly, shares them generously, and returns them with increase to the Lord. should have prepared that will protect them with Father Stan and three sisters Planning is an essential part of stewardship and I encourage all Catholics to and their family. These documents direct your from my religious community.” participate.” family and health care providers regarding The book’s preface is by Arch- your end of life plans and your estate. Your bishop Coakley, who notes that end of life plans should be clearly stated and Father Rother’s life is important SPONSORED BY THESE LOCAL PARISHES AND... legally enforceable in order to minimize con- because “we need attractive models flict and confusion among family members of priestly holiness. We need wit- and health care providers if you become inca- nesses to pastoral charity.” ARCHDIOCESE pacitated or pass away. As you prepare your The Epilogue of the book is OF will or trust be sure to communicate your OKLAHOMA CITY Catholic values which should include a authored by Archbishop Emeritus CATHOLIC FOUNDATION Catholic Healthcare Directive and Durable OF OKLAHOMA Eusebius Beltran, who describes Power of Attorney. Attend one of these infor- Father Rother as a man of integ- mation sessions and learn more about the rity, a dedicated missionary who process of estate planning or how to refresh loved God and his people.” your current plan in light of today’s laws. Referring to Father Rother’s work 12 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic September 17, 2017 13 Lánzate a lo más Profundo Luke 5:4 Las semillas de deleite que Cristo sembró en Una invitación personal el corazón de Stanley Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo, despertó mi imaginación. Desde entonces Semillas de Amor siempre estuve ansioso por aprender todo Cuando regresé a mi segundo año en el Seminario Monte Santa lo que pude sobre la vida de este heroico Esta columna lleva mucho tiempo hacién- no podían escuchar la Palabra de Dios tan lle- Rother María en Emmitsburg, , todo el mundo estaba hablando de la párroco. dose. Incluso puedo decir que mis columnas na de amor en las Escrituras porque no había vivía ab- muerte del Padre Stanley Rother, un sacerdote de Oklahoma que había Así que, en el 2010, tan pronto acepté anteriores sobre santos y mártires han estado ni Nuevo Testamento o mucho menos una ierto a la Pedro A. Moreno, muerto en su parroquia misionera en Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. mi nuevo nombramiento para convertirme preparándole el camino a esta. Mi teoría era Biblia en su idioma. Stanley estaba convenci- presencia O.P. Era ex-alumno del Seminario Monte Santa María. Fue una noticia de en el próximo arzobispo de Oklahoma que al comprender a otros santos y mártires do de que esto amorosa Director, Oficina de gran impacto y aparecía en todos los periódicos. Capturó mi atención y City (incluso antes de que se anunciara), podría conocer y comprender mejor al Padre era necesario y de Dios Ministerio Hispano continuó con el me dirigí a Okarche, Oklahoma, de mane- Stanley Rother. en Su Arzobispo Pablo S. Coakley Cada uno de ellos es modelo de vida cris- proyecto de tra- ra incógnita, para visitar la tumba del Padre Palabra, tiana. Ellos ducir el Nuevo Rother y la parroquia de su infancia. Me sorprendió la solemne comp- en la brillan porque Testamento. rensión de que ahora era mi responsabilidad llevar adelante la causa de Eucaristía y abierto a la presencia amorosa de reflejan el amor Recibió su Dios en la comunidad de fe que tanto amaba y beatificación y canonización del Padre Rother y dar a conocer su histo- y la presencia martirio antes ria de generosa caridad pastoral y sacrificio valeroso al mundo. servía. En una carta fechada el 16 de noviem- de Dios para de que pudiera bre de 1980, que comienza “Mi Querido Frank- Siguiendo el ejemplo de Jesús, el Buen Pastor, el Padre Rother había nosotros. Son ver el proyecto ie”, encontré una frase que por alguna razón ha derramado todo su corazón en el servicio a sus feligreses. Durante sus amigos de Dios finalizado, pero resonado de alguna manera en mí. años de ministerio sacerdotal estaba siendo transformado en un ícono y lo demuestran el proyecto se “Cuando escucho al pueblo durante la Misa vivo del Buen Pastor por el espíritu del Dios viviente que moraba dentro por medio de completó. Hoy aquí en domingo o el jueves, esa cacofonía de de él. Él dio su todo; Como Cristo dio todo. vidas de cariño- en día, muchos oraciones subiendo al Señor, su presencia debe Dios ha bendecido a la Iglesia en Oklahoma con esta oportunidad de sa y sacrificada amistad con aquellos a quienes pueden leer compartir nuestro buen pastor, e hijo nativo, con el mundo entero y pre- servían. acerca de Je- estar allí. Me deleita ser parte.” sentar su ejemplo de santidad para las generaciones venideras. Los santos son hombres y mujeres que no sucristo en Padre Stanley Francis Rother - la Palabra de El 23 de septiembre, celebraremos la vida del Venerable Siervo de Dios se contentan con amar a Dios intensamente. los Evangelios Dios lo deleitó porque hay amor en esa Pal- Stanley Francis Rother en su Misa de Beatificación en el centro de Okla- Ellos también quieren compartir a su Dios de gracias en gran abra. Los sacramentos, y sobre todo la Misa, lo homa City. La ceremonia será sólo la segunda beatificación en Estados amor con los demás y ayudar a otros a que se parte a lo que el Padre Stanley hizo hace tantos deleitaron porque el amor de Dios está presente Unidos y la primera beatificación de un sacerdote y mártir nacido en enamoren de este Dios maravilloso. Un Dios años. en cada celebración sacramental. Las personas Estados Unidos. ¡Este evento, único en la vida, no debe perderse! que es amor y nos ha mostrado Su amor en Su ¡Este discípulo intencional fue el instrumen- que servía lo deleitaron, sus oraciones lo deleit- Por favor, únanse a mí, y al Cardenal Amato, obispos, sacerdotes, Hijo, nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Este to de Dios para salir y hacer más discípulos aron, porque la amorosa presencia de Dios está diáconos, religiosos y religiosas y los fieles laicos de todos los Estados fuerte deseo de compartir a Jesús, compartir la a través del Nuevo Testamento Zutujil, que allí. Su sacerdocio lo deleitó porque le dio una oportunidad única de responder al llamado de Unidos y de Guatemala para honrar a un hombre ordinario que fue lla- Buena Nueva de amor del Dios, es el corazón todavía está en uso hoy en día! amor de Dios y la oportunidad de amar a los mado a hacer cosas extraordinarias. del verdadero discipulado. Su deseo de compartir a Cristo con el pueblo guatemalteco también se manifestó en su amor demás de una manera muy especial. Cristo lo Todos estamos llamados a ser santos. Alabamos y damos gracias a Y seamos honestos, no hay mayor señal de ser intencional en el ministerio de discipulado por cada celebración litúrgica. Me encantan las deleitó porque Cristo es el amor encarnado. Dios por levantar a este heroico testigo y modelo ejemplar de santidad que estar dispuesto a dar la vida por el bien del fotos del Padre Stanley bautizando a los niños Stanley Francis Rother - un modelo de vida sacerdotal para toda la Iglesia. A través de su beatificación, obtenemos Evangelio. El padre Stanley podría haber re- y celebrando la Santa Misa. cristiana y un discípulo intencional. un poderoso intercesor en el Beato Stanley Rother. Que continúe orando gresado a Oklahoma, pero como nuestro amigo ¡Cada sacramento por nosotros mientras seguimos buscando el camino donde el valiente de Okarche ha dicho claramente “El pastor no que celebramos es Pastor ha ido delante de nosotros. puede huir”. Eso es ser intencional. encontrar y compar- En la vida del Padre Stanley Rother encuen- tir a Cristo, nuestro Sinceramente suyo en Cristo tro el ejemplo de un discípulo intencional. El amor y vida! Celebrar mayor ejemplo de esta pasión por compartir bien los sacramentos a Cristo, esta pasión de responder al llamado es vivir un momen- “Vayan y Hagan Discípulos”, es su amor por la to especial de hacer Palabra de Dios y su deseo de compartir con discípulos. El Padre Reverendísimo Pablo S. Coakley otros a Cristo, la viva y vivificante Palabra de Stanley hizo esto a Arzobispo de Oklahoma City Dios. menudo y lo hizo Las personas que él servía en Guatemala bien. hablaban un lenguaje poco común, Zutujil, y El Padre Stanley Los Obispos Católicos de Oklahoma instan a Trump a dejar Un mensaje del DACA en su lugar Arzobispo Coakley ... El Congreso debería moverse para proteger a los jóvenes inmigrantes continuado de la página 12 académicos en nuestras universidades, seminaristas y líderes en nues- Basado en informes de que la legal a los jóvenes que esperan por continuarán apoyándolo. Si bien tras parroquias. un futuro mejor. DACA no proporciona ningún esta- Casa Blanca terminará en seis Legislación que garantiza que estos jóvenes puedan seguir trabajan- En el corazón de la Doctrina tus legal o camino a la ciudadanía, meses el programa de Acción do, estudiando y protegiéndose de la deportación es importante para la Social Católica está la obligación sí les proporciona a sus beneficia- Diferida para Llegados en su In- estabilidad de nuestras comunidades. moral de proteger la vida y la rios con un respiro temporal de la fancia (DACA), le pedimos al Presi- Sin embargo, una decisión de ponerle fin a este programa, sin un ar- dignidad de cada deportación y con la autorización reglo legislativo como el Proyecto de Ley DREAM Act, es como si nues- ser humano, de empleo para las diversas opor- tra nación le estuviera dando la espalda a la juventud inmigrante que particularmente tunidades de trabajo legal en los está tratando de alcanzar la plenitud de su potencial, dado a ellos por de los más vul- Estados Unidos. Se estima que l sábado, 23 de septiem- Dios, e impedirles el poder cumplir la promesa de expresar su agra- nerables, que 800,000 jóvenes en los Estados bre, a las 10 de la maña- decidamente a el único país que la mayoría de ellos han conocido. Tal incluye a nuestra Unidos se han beneficiado del pro- na, un evento único decisión pondría a los jóvenes de DACA en riesgo de deportación de los juventud. Estos grama DACA. E tendrá lugar en Oklahoma City, jóvenes que se Estados Unidos. A través de nuestras parroquias para honrar a uno de los nues- benefician de La administración tiene una oportunidad extraordinaria para dem- y a través de Caridades Católicas tros, El Padre Stanley Rother. DACA fueron ostrar, tanto ahora como a las generaciones futuras, el espíritu de de la Arquidiócesis de Oklahoma Invito a cada uno de ustedes, a traídos a los generosidad y compasión de nuestra nación. Nuestra esperanza y nues- City y de la Diócesis de Tulsa y del la Misa de beatificación del Padre Estados Unidos tras oraciones son para que el Presidente Trump y el Congreso puedan Este de Oklahoma, hemos tenido Rother, en el Centro de Conven- por sus padres trascender el rencor partidario para fortalecer el programa DACA o el privilegio de reunirnos y trabajar ciones de Cox. cuyo deseo era proporcionar estatus legal para miles de jóvenes de Oklahoma y cientos con estos individuos sobresalien- Este será un evento histórico proporcionarles de miles de jóvenes en nuestra nación. tes, quienes forman parte de lo para los Estados Unidos y para a sus hijos con dente Trump y a los miembros del que somos como comunidad en Oklahoma, ¡que no te puedes esperanza, oportunidades y mayor Reverendísimo Paul S. Coakley Oklahoma. Son contribuyentes a perder! Congreso, específicamente a la del- seguridad. Arzobispo de Oklahoma City nuestra economía, veteranos de Visiten nuestra página de egación de Oklahoma, que desar- Los Obispos Católicos en los nuestro ejército, destacados internet stanleyrother.org para rollen legislación para fortalecer el Estados Unidos han apoyado por Reverendísimo David A. Konderla más información. programa o para otorgarle estatus mucho tiempo a DACA, y ellos continúa en la página 13 Obispo de Tulsa y del Este de Oklahoma 14 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic September 17, 2017 15 Calendar Briefs This calendar only covers the two weeks between issue dates and may not reflect all of the calendar items. To see a full calendar, go to www.soonercatholic.org. Don’t miss the Beatifica- Norman abortion center, 2453 Wil- tion! cox drive. Sign up for one or more September 21 Feast of St. Matthew. 23 Center. Visit stanleyrother. 29 Bishop McGuinness Catholic The Beatification Mass for Fr. hours at 40daysforlife.com/nor- org. High School class of 1962 Rother is open to the public, free man. Contact Connie Lang, (405) 17 Monthly Novena to the Infant 21 Bishop Gonzalo de Villa y reunion Sept. 29-30. Contact and no tickets are required! The 249-1041, potato.lang@gmail. Jesus. Nine days of novenas Vásquez, bishop of the Dio- 27 Feast of St. Pius of Pietrelci- “CAP” Shidler, (405) 830- beatification is 10 a.m. Sept. 23 com. The opening ceremony will be to Infant Jesus of Prague. cese of Sololá-Chimaltenango, na. 3611. at the Cox Convention Center. To a 5:30 p.m. Mass Sept. 26, at St. During the nine days, the no- will celebrate Mass at 4:30 register a bus or shuttle or for in- Mark the Evangelist, Norman. vena prayers will be as follows p.m. in the St. Gregory’s Ab- 27 40 Days for Life begins. Pray 29 Feasts of Sts. Michael, Gabri- bey Church, Shawnee, then daily outside Planned Parent- el and Raphael. formation on parking, restaurants, Are you listening? By Sally Crowe Nash – Monday-Friday following security, etc., go online to Bishop McGuinness reunion Noon Mass, Saturday follow- speak at 7 p.m., Sarkey’s hood, 6112 N.W. 63, OKC. stanleyrother.org. The class of 1962 BMCHS 55th Performing Arts Center. Ends Nov. 5. Contact Dale 30 Feast of St. Jerome. We hope it is a time for old designed to create awareness ing 5 p.m. Mass, and Sunday reunion to be Sept. 29-30. Call Dirkschneider, (405) 209- friends and loyal supporters of who we are and what our following 11 a.m. Mass. Rother Heritage Gallery “CAP” Shidler at (405) 830-3611 or 21 Pro-life lecture by Daniel K. 0309. 30 Falcon 5K and Fun Run, 8:30 to come together. We expect potential is for helping people The Heritage Gallery at the [email protected]. Williams, 4:30 p.m., Fred a.m. St. John Nepomuk Cath- to draw new donors and spon- know Jesus Christ. 17 Pray the Rosary for Life at 28 Catholic Pastoral Center, 7501 Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Feast of St. Vincent De Paul. olic School, Yukon. sors. We plan to introduce our When people listen and 6:30 p.m. at the abortion cen- Norman. Northwest Expressway, is present- Matthew Kelly Live! ter, 2453 Wilcox Dr., Norman. new development director and absorb the substance and the Feast of St. and Matthew Kelly Live, 6 p.m. ing “The Shepherd Cannot Run: A Dynamic Catholic presents In cases of inclement weath- 28 30 Retrospective on the Life of Father “Living Every Day with Passion & share our vision for the future grace they receive from listen- 21 Charismatic Catholic prayer Companions. Cox Convention Center. of Catholic radio in Oklahoma. ing to OCBN, their response is, er, meet at the chapel at St. meeting, Thursdays 7 p.m., Stanley Rother.” The free exhibit is Purpose” with Matthew Kelly and , 100 Stinson open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Fri- special musical guest Eliot Morris You all are invited! Oklaho- “Catholic radio is the only thing Catholic Pastoral Center. 28 Feast of St. Wenceslaus. St., Norman. Contact Connie day. Special tours arranged by from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 30 ma Catholic Broadcasting and I listen to!” Contact Toni Calvey, (405) Lang, (405) 249-1041, potato. calling (405) 721-5651, Ext. 141. at Cox Convention Center in Okla- Archbishop Coakley invite you More than anything, this 630-0539, tonicalvey1900@ 28 Bingo at St. James, S. 41 and [email protected]. homa City. Visit dynamiccatholic. to attend the first Catholic Radio affair will be an annual cele- gmail.com or visit McKinley, 6:30 p.m. All games Guatemalan bishop Mass and com/events/passion-and-purpose. Benefit Luncheon on Oct. 4. The bration. Guests can pair up www.SpiritOKC.org. $10. Door prizes, all players 20 talk luncheon is being held in the the voices they have heard on Feast of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae- receive an entry into a big Bishop Gonzalo de Villa y Falcon 5K and Fun Run atrium of Christ the King Catho- air with the people behind the Gon and Paul Chong Ha-Sang 23 Beatification of Venerable screen TV drawing in October Vásquez, bishop of the Diocese of St. John Nepomuk Catholic lic Church in Nichols Hills. voices. and Companions. Servant of God Stanley Roth- and recognition of all Septem- Sololá-Chimaltenango where Fr. School one-mile Fun Run begins As OCBN continues to trans- In years to come, the lun- er, 10 a.m., Cox Convention ber born players. Rother served at the Oklahoma at 8 a.m. and 5K begins at 8:30 form into a stronger, self-sus- cheon will be a time to remem- mission, will celebrate Mass at a.m., Sept. 30 at the school, 600 taining evangelization resource, ber the modest beginning and Jobs Box 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in St. Gregory’s Garth Brooks Blvd. Register at each new development has a the growing pains. Then, as Abbey Church in Shawnee. The http://bit.ly/falcon5K. Contact hand in shaping our future. The we attend, year after year, we IT help desk assistant Customer service experience is Director of adult formation and Previous experience leading bishop will give a public talk at 7 [email protected]. luncheon is one of those mile- will marvel at the hand of God, The Archdiocese of Oklahoma usually required. The computer leadership development adult formation as well as teach- p.m. in the Sarkey’s Performing stones. When Development drawing Catholics and our City is seeking a part-time IT help support technician should have The Archdiocese of Oklahoma ing background and curriculum Arts Center at SGU with a recep- Celebration of Life Walk Director Marianne Pierce takes fellow Oklahomans throughout desk assistant to provide IT sup- strong communication skills and be City is seeking a full-time director development a must. Bilingual in tion following in the Mabee Gerrer Birth Choice will be celebrating the microphone at the lun- the state, to hear and abide in port to staff and visitors of the able to converse with and support of adult formation and leader- Spanish a plus. Send inquiries th Museum of Art. their 25 Celebration of Life Walk cheon, she will identify what His word. All through the in- Catholic Pastoral Center. High those employees who are not tech- ship development. The position and resumes to nlargent@archokc. Oct. 1 at the Myriad Botanical Gar- we have undertaken so far and strument of Catholic radio. school diploma required; college nologically proficient. The position includes direct leadership of all org. Pro-life lecture dens. Registration and activities unveil our vision. Need tickets or more details? degree or certificate from a vo- also requires knowledge of basic archdiocesan formation efforts for A public lecture by Daniel K. begin at 12:30 p.m. Walk begins at The occasion is, after all, Go online to okcr.org. cational/technical school is pre- hardware and software functions adults, with a particular emphasis Williams, “The Forgotten Origins of 2 p.m. For information and to reg- ferred. Excellent computer skills and networking. Organizational on forming missionary disciples To see more job openings, go on- the Pro-Life Movement: The Liberal ister, visit www.birthchoice.org. necessary as well as the ability to skills essential. Send inquiries and at all levels. A master’s degree in line to www.soonercatholic.org. Human Rights Campaign against solve problems and troubleshoot. resumes to [email protected]. theology or related field required. Abortion before Roe v. Wade,” will Oktoberfest Oklahoma Catholic Radio Stations be at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the St. Francis/Rosary School com- Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, munity 29th annual Oktoberfest, OKC - 97.3 FM KKNG Tulsa - 94.9 FM KPIM Norman. honoring their patron saints, Our Antlers - 90.3 FM KMAC Lawton - 88.3 FM KOEG Ranked the #1 Agency in the order Lady of the Rosary and St. Francis Broken Arrow - 102.9 FM KPIM Prague - 88.3 FM KIOP in 2015 and in the U.S. in 2016 40 Days for Life of Assisi. The family friendly event Clinton - 98.3 FM KFWG Ringwood - 104.9 FM KEUC From Sept. 27 to Nov. 5, every- is Noon – 5 p.m. Oct. 1, at 1919 Edmond - 100.9 FM KSMJ Shawnee - 107.1 FM KOGD one is invited to join other Chris- N.W. 18, OKC. Events begin after Elk City - 100.7 FM KPFS Woodward - 93.3 FM KFPP tians for 40 Days for Life – 40 days 11 a.m. Mass, with a two-mile Fun okcatholicbroadcasting.com of prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil Run through the historic Gate- for an end to abortion. Stand and wood neighborhood, followed by a peacefully pray during a 40-day carnival and live entertainment. vigil in the public right-of-way cal Catholic community will rejoice $20 (not sold at door). outside the Planned Parenthood Anniversary Mass in the example and commitment to facility at 6112 N.W. 63. For in- Archbishop Coakley invites mar- your Sacrament of Marriage. John Michael Talbot concert formation or to volunteer, contact ried couples celebrating milestone “A Lifetime of Music & Ministry,” Dale Dirkschneider, (405) 209- anniversaries (25, 40, 50+) in 2017 Western Barn and Dinner Dance at 5 p.m. Oct. 22 at Epiphany of 0309, [email protected]; to attend a special Anniversary Sponsored by the Knights of the Lord, 7336 W. Britton Rd., The Pierce Agency or Dick Smith, (405) 650-1603, Mass at 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at The Ladies Auxiliary, the OKC. Tickets: $25 general seating Kevin Pierce [email protected]. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual event will be 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Oct. ($35 at door), $50 VIP package. General Agent Help, 3214 N. Lake Ave., OKC. A 21, at Corpus Christi, 1005 NE Call (405) 722-2110 or visit www. (877) 707-0752 40 Days for Life Norman reception will follow. Contact the 15th Street in OKC. Dinner is 7 JohnMichaelTalbot.com. [email protected] From Sept. 27 to Nov. 5, every- Office of Family Life at (405) 721- p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Live band, danc- one is invited to join 40 days of 8944, if attending. The archbishop ing, dance contest, best costume To see more briefs, go online to prayer vigil 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the will impart his blessing and the lo- king and queen crowned. Tickets www.soonercatholic.org.

Adrian Dominican sister who served in OKC marks 70-year jubilee Sister JoAnn (Marie Bernard) Fleischak- After a sabbatical, Sister Fleischaker grateful to God, our Creator, for all of the er, O.P., a Chicago native, is celebrating ministered for more than 20 years at Las wonderful graces and blessings I have 70 years of religious life. Casas Dominican Ministry in Canton, received from the loving hands of God.” Sister Fleischaker entered the Adrian Okla., ministering with the Cheyenne and The Dominican Sisters of Adrian are a Dominican Congregation in 1947. She Arapaho. She retired from that ministry Congregation of nearly 640 vowed wom- professed first vows in 1948 and final in 2015. She currently lives in Chicago, en religious whose roots go back to Saint vows in 1953. She holds a bachelor’s where she does volunteer ministry with Dominic in the 13th century. The sisters degree from Siena Heights College (Uni- immigrants and at the Saint Kateri Indian minister in 22 states and in the Domin- versity), a master’s degree from DePaul Center. ican Republic, Norway and the Philip- University in Chicago and a music thera- “My 70 years as an Adrian Domin- pines. The vision of the Adrian Dominican Sister JoAnn py certificate from Wayne State Universi- ican have been spiritually, physically Sisters is to “seek truth, make peace, LIFE INSURANCE DISABILITY INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE RETIREMENT ANNUITIES Fleischaker, OP ty, Detroit. and mentally enriching,” she said. “I am reverence life.” 16 September 17, 2017 Sooner Catholic America’s first martyr continued from page 1 came the sole priest and pastor at the Okla- Patron of missionary discipleship homa mission, which served 25,000 Tz’utujil Even before began to challenge a hands-on servant – with a resolute desire to Mayan parishioners. every Catholic to go to the “peripheries,” to live become a priest. He instituted a personal tradition of Sunday as missionary disciples, Father Rother had dis- Years later, when 33-year-old Father Stan meals with his parishioners in their homes covered his place and his mission in a remote volunteered for Oklahoma’s mission in Gua- where he ate whatever they ate – a practice part of Guatemala. “He had moved well beyond temala, he found his heart’s vocation – as a that also led him to have regular bouts of dys- his comfort zone to embrace a life of missionary priest to the Tz’utujil Mayan people of Santiago entery. discipleship far from the familiar comforts of Atitlán. It is here where he experienced and When it came to celebrating the Sacraments, Oklahoma,” Archbishop Coakley said. integrated into his ministry the love and com- the numbers alone were staggering. In 1974, Salvador Atzip Sosof remembered during his passion that led him to lay down his life for the for example, Father Stanley celebrated 649 wedding how Father Stanley told all the cou- Gospel and for his sheep. , 85 weddings and 150 First Commu- ples being married about Saint James and the Imitating Christ’s servant leadership nions. Two thousand people received Commu- apostle’s martyrdom, “then we went to confes- In Pope Francis’s words, “Thanks solely to nion every week. sion one by one. this encounter – or renewed encounter – with By 1980, however, el conflicto armado in- Afterwards, he gave us a remembrance, a God’s love, which blossoms into an enriching terno – Guatemala’s violent war, had made its diploma (marriage certificate) and a medal,” friendship, we are liberated from our narrow- way to Santiago Atitlán and the other villages which Father Stanley blessed. ness and self-absorption. We become fully hu- surrounding Lake Atitlán. In addition to his Our missionary journey to the peripheries man when we become more than human, when pastoral work, Father Stanley’s priestly and of our life will inevitably be different than the we let God bring us beyond ourselves in order sacramental duties now included walking the ones encountered by soon-to-be Blessed Stan- to attain the fullest truth of our being” (The Joy roads searching for the bodies of the desapare- ley Rother. But, the question we face is the of the Gospel, 8). cidos, parishioners who had gone missing. same. What brave thing has God put in front It is no coincidence that the same values Writing about his experience visiting Santi- of me to face right now? Whether it’s with my Stanley learned growing up in an Oklahoma ago Atitlán three years after Father Stanley’s marriage, or my children, or my health, or my farming community – family-first, hard work, death, author Henri Nouwen emphasized, his need to forgive – will I say yes in trust that it kindness, generosity, perseverance – are pre- martyrdom needs to be told, for “martyrs are will lead me to eternal life? cisely the values that enabled him to become a blood witnesses of God’s inexhaustible love for Let the martyr from Okarche show us how. missionary shepherd to the Tz’utujil when he his people.” Ultimately, Nouwen wrote, we hon- María Ruiz Scaperlanda is author of Father first arrived to Guatemala in 1968. or martyrs because they are reminders of God’s Rother’s official biography “The Shepherd Who At the young age of 40, Stanley Rother be- loving presence. Didn’t Run.” continued from page 1 in the Tz’utujil language, one of entered his rectory in the dead of “It turns out there were lots of the 21 Mayan languages spoken in night and murdered him. Franciscos there,” she said. “It be- their parents, she recalled. Guatemala, so that he could better “We knew he was in danger. We came a very common name.” “We were very seldom not doing serve his flock. didn’t know that things had esca- Although Father Rother’s body things together. Our parents really “It’s a very difficult language to lated to that point,” Sister Marita is buried in Resurrection Memo- did keep us in line. We had great learn and almost everyone who said. “To get that call was very rial Cemetery in Oklahoma City, respect for each other … anytime heard him speak it could not be- painful.” his heart will always be with the they would hear squabbling — if it lieve that he learned it in the short She added that she began to un- people he loved. It is enshrined at was in their earshot — they would time that he did. This man who derstand the love the people had Saint James the Apostle Catholic calm us down.” flunked a year in the seminary for her brother on her second trip Church in Santiago Atitlan. But, Stanley was different from because he couldn’t learn Latin is to Guatemala in 1978. She met Riggs is editor of the Catholic his siblings, she said. now speaking Tz’utujil,” she said. children here and there all named Advance, newspaper of the Diocese “I actually do not remember him It was a blessing for many of his Francisco. of Wichita. getting a scolding from my par- parishioners. ents,” Sister Marita said. “I got “They could understand what he my share, my other brothers got was talking about,” Sister Marita theirs. Not that I was comparing said. “It got to where he was giving From the Archives … myself, but when I thought back his homilies in Tz’utujil. He soon A photo series from George Rigazzi, archdiocesan archivist on it, I don’t remember, particular- became known as Padre A’Plas, his ly my mother, ever correcting him Indian name, which was Tz’utujil for anything, or scolding him like for Francis.” we used to get.” Francis was Father Rother’s His behavior may have been a middle name. foreshadowing of why he will soon Because of his ability to commu- be honored by the church. nicate in the Mayan dialect, she Sister Marita will be among those said, the people claimed Father participating in a beatification Rother as one of their own. ceremony for Father Rother Sept. “When he left, it was like leaving 23, in Oklahoma City. Pope Fran- his people,” she said. “There was cis acknowledged Father Rother’s no one there to continue the Mass martyrdom in December, making in their language. He did not want the Okarche, Oklahoma, native to leave. When he got home, he the first recognized martyr to have longed to be back with them. He been born in the United States. knew they were not going to sur- Hundreds of thousands of Cath- vive spiritually and I think he felt olics died in the Guatemalan civil like he abandoned them.” ue to escalating tensions in Guatemala, Father Rother war from 1960 to 1996, targeted He returned to Oklahoma for returned to Oklahoma in January 1981. His name had because of the church’s insistence about three months. been added to a “death list” due to his “subversive” activity, on catechizing. D “When I saw him … he looked which included aiding parishioners, voicing his displeasure at the In time, Father Rother’s name terrible. It was like he was lost. He murders of his catechists, and other issues threatening to the mil- appeared on a death list. He and kept gazing out the window, kind itary. In this poignant photo, Father Rother is seen embracing his an associate left Guatemala in of in his own thoughts, and we parents at the airport as he arrived from Guatemala. He returned to 1981 because of the danger. Fa- knew what they were.” the mission for Holy Week in April 1981 and made one last visit to ther Rother returned to Oklahoma, When he was told it was safe to Oklahoma in May for the ordination of his cousin, Father Don Wolf, but his heart was still with the return to Guatemala, he hesitated now pastor of Saint Eugene in Oklahoma City. His final people. because of his mother’s illness, visit was brief and friends say there was finality in his He had a great empathy for the but he decided to return. words. On July 28, 1981, Father Stanley Francis Rother poor, Sister Marita said. Though “I’ve got to do it,” he told his sis- many of his flock spoke Span- ter. “And I knew that. I could see it was murdered in his rectory. As Father Wolf has so elo- ish, a year or two after he began in his eyes. He had to do it.” quently stated, “He did not go back to die; but to live.” his missionary work in Santiago Within three months of his re- ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY ARCHIVES Atitlan, he asked to begin training turn, on July 28, 1981, three men