American Martyr - The Story of Blessed Stanley Rother (An Oklahoma Catholic Radio Network Special)

Discover the inspiring story of Blessed Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma farm boy who answered God's call to the priesthood and became a missionary to the people of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. Father Rother devoted himself completely to his parishioners, learning their language, serving their spiritual and physical needs, and remaining with them even as violence and persecution swept through the region. When his life was threatened, Father Rother returned to Oklahoma briefly—but ultimately chose to go back to his people, declaring, “The shepherd cannot run.” On July 28, 1981, he was murdered in his rectory, giving his life in service to Christ and the people he loved. Produced by the Oklahoma Catholic Radio Network, American Martyr explores the life, faith, ministry, courage, and lasting legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother—the first U.S.-born priest recognized by the Catholic Church as a martyr and the first U.S.-born priest to be beatified.