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The Shepherd Who Didn't Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma, Revised
The moving story of a simple parish priest from Oklahoma who would not abandon his Guatamalan parish and was martyred during the Guatamalan civil war at the age of 46.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2015
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July 31, 2021
Today, July 28, 2021, the Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time priests here in Oklahoma wear red vestments because it is the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Stanley Rother, a hometown boy and priest from the little farming town of Okarche.
Yesterday I sat down to finally finish reading Ms. Scaperlanda’s moving and informative biography about this ‘ordinary’ yet unforgettable shepherd of souls. I had read other works about Blessed Rother—articles and even two books (The Shepherd Cannot Run and Love in a Fearful Land: A Guatemalan Story) and seen films—but The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run covers so much more than any of those other sources. After 23 years of living here in Oklahoma, and thinking I knew quite a bit about ‘our saint’ I still learned a lot.
I’m not a native Oklahoman, yet this past year my time in residence here surpassed the years I lived in my birth state or anywhere else, so I think of Oklahoma as more ‘home’ than anywhere else. You can’t live long here without hearing Fr. Rother’s name and something of his story.
Stanley Francis was the oldest of five children (one who died in infancy) born to Franz and Gertrude Rother during a dust storm in the 1930’s. He was an ‘ordinary’ student, quiet, kind, hard-working and liked by all. He served at his local parish from the time he was 8 until he left for seminary after graduating high school. He worked alongside his father and siblings on the family farm from his earliest years, before and after school, on weekends, during the summers; even when he was in seminary, he came home to help out his family.
He struggled as a student, but especially during seminary because his textbooks for Philosophy and Theology were in Latin. He repeated one year due to poor grades. When it looked like he was going to have to repeat another year, the school recommended he be sent home instead. Upon meeting him, his bishop (Bishop Victor Reed) thought Stanley deserved another chance, so he set about finding another seminary which would take him. Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland turned out to be a much better experience for the young seminarian. Stan graduated and was ordained May 25, 1963, along with 10 other young men at Our Lady’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City, OK. By 1970, only 7 years later, 5 of the 11 had already left the priesthood. They were considered, “the brightest and the best”. One of the six who remained, Fr. Pat McCool, O.S.B. from St. Gregory’s Abbey, served for many years as contract chaplain at Tinker AFB. He heard both of my daughter’s First Confessions. He was very proud of having been ordained alongside Fr. Stan. We were rather proud to have known Fr. Pat. Here in Oklahoma, sooner or later, everyone knows someone who knows or knew Stan.
After he was ordained Fr. Rother served the diocese for 5 years before he was able to volunteer for mission work in Guatemala. Here Ms. Scaperlanda’s book was extremely insightful. She explained how differently the other ‘missionaries’ to Santiago Atitlán viewed their own roles there and how that impacted not only themselves but also mission life and the native peoples. Their presence was a result of a call by Pope John XXIII for missionaries from all countries to go to Central America. The Oklahoma team was responsible for Santiago Atitlán with its 400+ year old church which dated back to the early Spanish settlers. However, in 1870 all foreign priests had been expelled by the Guatemalan government and not readmitted until the 1940s. Mission Catholic Oklahoma (MICATOKLA) initially consisted of twelve people, 6 men and 6 women, a blend of clergy and lay. When Fr. Stan arrived in 1968, he was put to work on the hospital and learning two languages, Spanish and Tz’utujil. The native people of Guatemala are descendants of the ancient Mayans and there are actually 22 distinct Indian languages, one of which is that of the Tz’utujil, the people who live around Santiago Atitlán, the beautiful land enclosed between three volcanoes.
While Stanley was settling into his place in this new home, he was also observing the other Americans around him. He soon figured out they roughly fell into one of two camps. The first group saw themselves as teaching the Tz’utujil how things should be done – basically, by showing them the better, American-proven way, whether it be better farming, better education, better nutrition, better worship or better construction. The other group of missionaries, by contrast, saw their role as one of assisting the Tz’utujil in their existing needs and taking the long approach to doing so by working within their culture and tradition.
Ultimately the group director, Fr. Carlin’s view and the knowledge and understanding of the language and culture determined what the group was able to do. As the years wore on, changes—in the country, personnel turnover and other issues, and things happening back in Oklahoma including the splitting of the diocese in two—slowly reduced staff until by 1975, Fr. Rother was the only ‘missionary’ left. He benefitted from native clergy assistance off and on.
On February 4, 1976, a massive earthquake of 7.5 magnitude six miles under the earth’s surface and 120 miles NW of Guatemala City buried one-third of the city, crushing and killing many of the sleeping residents when their adobe houses collapsed on top of them. Fr. Rother organized the generous offering of his community, most barely living above poverty level themselves, and offered their hospital for the wounded.
By the end of 1978, Father Stanley was describing with disgust the treatment of the indigenous people of Guatemala in his mission reports back home. From here on out, his writings, both personal and professional, as well as his conversations, were mostly focused on the escalating violence against religious leaders, catechists, and anyone perceived to be a threat to the government, the police or local guerrilla groups, because no one really knew who was in charge or where orders came from. But certainly, no criticism of Guatemala’s president was tolerated.
Fr. Stanley never looked to be a martyr. In fact, he kept close track of who was threatened among his people and hid or protected them whenever he could. When he learned his name was on a death threat list in 1981, he did go home for a while, but after a short time he became extremely restless, feeling Oklahoma was not where he belonged. He needed to be with his flock, so he returned for Holy Week and Easter, a very special time for the Tz’utujil people. He returned to the states one more time for his cousin Don Wolfe’s* ordination, but again returned to Guatemala knowing he belonged with his people despite the tense political situation.
In the early hours of July 28, 1981, three men broke into the rectory and finding young Francisco alone threatened him to reveal the padre’s whereabouts. Fr. Rother could not let anything to happen to the boy, but he also refused to be taken away himself. It was his greatest fear—to be broken under torture and then reveal information which would cause further suffering to his people. So Fr. Rother had always determined he would not be taken and he wasn’t. After a tremendous fight, his assailants fired two shots and ran off. The priest was dead.
The native Carmelite sisters who had come to work for the mission only the year before scooped and mopped up his blood, putting it into two jars which are still there at the mission. The people—his people—also asked for and were allowed to keep his heart which at the time of his beatification in 2017, it was still incorrupt.
Fr. Rother’s life story still moves me even though I have heard it dozens of times now. In an age when so many men have left the priesthood, abandoned, desecrated and made a mockery of vows they swore before God, this humble little farm boy, who could not pass his Latin, learned to speak a language and say Mass in a tongue for which there was not even a written alphabet. He gave up everything to go live among the poorest of the poor and fell in love with them and when things got really dangerous, he would not abandon them. He knew where he belonged, with his flock. And they loved him too, desperately, as do so many others. Every time I read his story I am reminded to be a better Christian, a better Catholic. God rest your soul Father Rother. Pray for us and our church.
If you are looking for a political explanation on the situation in Guatemala at the time of Fr. Rother’s martyrdom, this is not the book for you. This is a biography about the man and his life. Looking over some of the reviews here on Goodreads, I noticed some complaints that this book lacked ‘context’. I am not sure what the reader was looking for, but if it was answers as to what was happening in Guatemala at that time in history and who killed Fr. Rother, we will probably never know. This is probably true for most of the thousands of murders which happened during those years. Politics in Central America were a cesspool then as they are in most places today. However, one thing we do know: Blessed Stanley Rother was a true shepherd of souls, a priest who lived his vows from the moment he took them and that is evidenced by all the people whose lives he changed, both those who knew him while he was alive and those (like me) who have come to know him since his martyrdom. As Tertullian said many years ago, ‘The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.’ And Jesus said, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ ~John 12:24
*Fr. Wolfe is an exemplary priest in the archdiocese of Oklahoma. Our son-in-law’s parents belong to his parish, and we went there once with them for Easter Vigil, but I have also heard him speak on his cousin at other times to great effect.
Yesterday I sat down to finally finish reading Ms. Scaperlanda’s moving and informative biography about this ‘ordinary’ yet unforgettable shepherd of souls. I had read other works about Blessed Rother—articles and even two books (The Shepherd Cannot Run and Love in a Fearful Land: A Guatemalan Story) and seen films—but The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run covers so much more than any of those other sources. After 23 years of living here in Oklahoma, and thinking I knew quite a bit about ‘our saint’ I still learned a lot.
I’m not a native Oklahoman, yet this past year my time in residence here surpassed the years I lived in my birth state or anywhere else, so I think of Oklahoma as more ‘home’ than anywhere else. You can’t live long here without hearing Fr. Rother’s name and something of his story.
Stanley Francis was the oldest of five children (one who died in infancy) born to Franz and Gertrude Rother during a dust storm in the 1930’s. He was an ‘ordinary’ student, quiet, kind, hard-working and liked by all. He served at his local parish from the time he was 8 until he left for seminary after graduating high school. He worked alongside his father and siblings on the family farm from his earliest years, before and after school, on weekends, during the summers; even when he was in seminary, he came home to help out his family.
He struggled as a student, but especially during seminary because his textbooks for Philosophy and Theology were in Latin. He repeated one year due to poor grades. When it looked like he was going to have to repeat another year, the school recommended he be sent home instead. Upon meeting him, his bishop (Bishop Victor Reed) thought Stanley deserved another chance, so he set about finding another seminary which would take him. Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland turned out to be a much better experience for the young seminarian. Stan graduated and was ordained May 25, 1963, along with 10 other young men at Our Lady’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City, OK. By 1970, only 7 years later, 5 of the 11 had already left the priesthood. They were considered, “the brightest and the best”. One of the six who remained, Fr. Pat McCool, O.S.B. from St. Gregory’s Abbey, served for many years as contract chaplain at Tinker AFB. He heard both of my daughter’s First Confessions. He was very proud of having been ordained alongside Fr. Stan. We were rather proud to have known Fr. Pat. Here in Oklahoma, sooner or later, everyone knows someone who knows or knew Stan.
After he was ordained Fr. Rother served the diocese for 5 years before he was able to volunteer for mission work in Guatemala. Here Ms. Scaperlanda’s book was extremely insightful. She explained how differently the other ‘missionaries’ to Santiago Atitlán viewed their own roles there and how that impacted not only themselves but also mission life and the native peoples. Their presence was a result of a call by Pope John XXIII for missionaries from all countries to go to Central America. The Oklahoma team was responsible for Santiago Atitlán with its 400+ year old church which dated back to the early Spanish settlers. However, in 1870 all foreign priests had been expelled by the Guatemalan government and not readmitted until the 1940s. Mission Catholic Oklahoma (MICATOKLA) initially consisted of twelve people, 6 men and 6 women, a blend of clergy and lay. When Fr. Stan arrived in 1968, he was put to work on the hospital and learning two languages, Spanish and Tz’utujil. The native people of Guatemala are descendants of the ancient Mayans and there are actually 22 distinct Indian languages, one of which is that of the Tz’utujil, the people who live around Santiago Atitlán, the beautiful land enclosed between three volcanoes.
While Stanley was settling into his place in this new home, he was also observing the other Americans around him. He soon figured out they roughly fell into one of two camps. The first group saw themselves as teaching the Tz’utujil how things should be done – basically, by showing them the better, American-proven way, whether it be better farming, better education, better nutrition, better worship or better construction. The other group of missionaries, by contrast, saw their role as one of assisting the Tz’utujil in their existing needs and taking the long approach to doing so by working within their culture and tradition.
Ultimately the group director, Fr. Carlin’s view and the knowledge and understanding of the language and culture determined what the group was able to do. As the years wore on, changes—in the country, personnel turnover and other issues, and things happening back in Oklahoma including the splitting of the diocese in two—slowly reduced staff until by 1975, Fr. Rother was the only ‘missionary’ left. He benefitted from native clergy assistance off and on.
On February 4, 1976, a massive earthquake of 7.5 magnitude six miles under the earth’s surface and 120 miles NW of Guatemala City buried one-third of the city, crushing and killing many of the sleeping residents when their adobe houses collapsed on top of them. Fr. Rother organized the generous offering of his community, most barely living above poverty level themselves, and offered their hospital for the wounded.
By the end of 1978, Father Stanley was describing with disgust the treatment of the indigenous people of Guatemala in his mission reports back home. From here on out, his writings, both personal and professional, as well as his conversations, were mostly focused on the escalating violence against religious leaders, catechists, and anyone perceived to be a threat to the government, the police or local guerrilla groups, because no one really knew who was in charge or where orders came from. But certainly, no criticism of Guatemala’s president was tolerated.
Fr. Stanley never looked to be a martyr. In fact, he kept close track of who was threatened among his people and hid or protected them whenever he could. When he learned his name was on a death threat list in 1981, he did go home for a while, but after a short time he became extremely restless, feeling Oklahoma was not where he belonged. He needed to be with his flock, so he returned for Holy Week and Easter, a very special time for the Tz’utujil people. He returned to the states one more time for his cousin Don Wolfe’s* ordination, but again returned to Guatemala knowing he belonged with his people despite the tense political situation.
In the early hours of July 28, 1981, three men broke into the rectory and finding young Francisco alone threatened him to reveal the padre’s whereabouts. Fr. Rother could not let anything to happen to the boy, but he also refused to be taken away himself. It was his greatest fear—to be broken under torture and then reveal information which would cause further suffering to his people. So Fr. Rother had always determined he would not be taken and he wasn’t. After a tremendous fight, his assailants fired two shots and ran off. The priest was dead.
The native Carmelite sisters who had come to work for the mission only the year before scooped and mopped up his blood, putting it into two jars which are still there at the mission. The people—his people—also asked for and were allowed to keep his heart which at the time of his beatification in 2017, it was still incorrupt.
Fr. Rother’s life story still moves me even though I have heard it dozens of times now. In an age when so many men have left the priesthood, abandoned, desecrated and made a mockery of vows they swore before God, this humble little farm boy, who could not pass his Latin, learned to speak a language and say Mass in a tongue for which there was not even a written alphabet. He gave up everything to go live among the poorest of the poor and fell in love with them and when things got really dangerous, he would not abandon them. He knew where he belonged, with his flock. And they loved him too, desperately, as do so many others. Every time I read his story I am reminded to be a better Christian, a better Catholic. God rest your soul Father Rother. Pray for us and our church.
If you are looking for a political explanation on the situation in Guatemala at the time of Fr. Rother’s martyrdom, this is not the book for you. This is a biography about the man and his life. Looking over some of the reviews here on Goodreads, I noticed some complaints that this book lacked ‘context’. I am not sure what the reader was looking for, but if it was answers as to what was happening in Guatemala at that time in history and who killed Fr. Rother, we will probably never know. This is probably true for most of the thousands of murders which happened during those years. Politics in Central America were a cesspool then as they are in most places today. However, one thing we do know: Blessed Stanley Rother was a true shepherd of souls, a priest who lived his vows from the moment he took them and that is evidenced by all the people whose lives he changed, both those who knew him while he was alive and those (like me) who have come to know him since his martyrdom. As Tertullian said many years ago, ‘The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.’ And Jesus said, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ ~John 12:24
*Fr. Wolfe is an exemplary priest in the archdiocese of Oklahoma. Our son-in-law’s parents belong to his parish, and we went there once with them for Easter Vigil, but I have also heard him speak on his cousin at other times to great effect.
February 11, 2016
I had known of Fr. Stan Rother and had visited Santiago Atitlán twice about 20 years ago. This book reveals the heart of this missionary priest, a simple man, dedicated to the people, a martyr for his love and presence with them. An easy read, but good Lenten fare.
August 11, 2021
I knew almost nothing about Father Stanley Francis Rother when I began reading this book. I had stumbled across mentions of it a few times. And the cover definitely intrigued me. But I did not know much about what I was getting in for. This story took place during my formative years. And I was in grade school when Blessed Stanley was martyred. This story was a powerful read and it was deeply moving. Over the last few years I have read several stories about military chaplains, and their sacrifice. This is the first of a missionary that was as moving and powerful. In some ways the life of Blessed Stanley reminds me of Father Emil Kapaun.
This was a deeply moving story. I am now a few years older than Blessed Stanley when he was martyred at the age of 46. His feast day is July 28th. The chapters in this volume are:
Foreword by Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City
Introduction by Sister Marita Rother, A.S.C.
1: Love to the Extreme Limit
2: Son of the Red Earth State
3: A New Beginning
4: MICATOKLA: Stanley’s New Home
5: Padre Francisco
6: He Died an Atiteco
7: The Flesh of Jesus
Epilogue by Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran, Archbishop Emeritus of Oklahoma City
This is a wonderful story of faith, of service and of faithfulness. It is moving and inspirational. It was a fascinating story to read. God called and Stanley followed. Even when he did not see a way. For example when he struggled academically. Especially with Latin and then god blessed his with a gift for the Tz’utujil even though he struggled with Ladinos.
““This language is fantastic,” Stanley wrote in a letter to Sister Marita. Explaining further, he wrote:
It isn’t related to any other besides the others here in Guatemala. There are 22 different Indian languages here. The Mayans reached the height of their civilization around the year 1,000 and had a very advanced culture. For some reason they declined and split up into groups or tribes when the Spanish came…. [T]hey were baptized in a wholesale manner, but they never gave up their culture and customs. They still haven’t. They still have their language and especially in our area.”
His one sister was a nun and they were particularly close. But his whole family was close. Some of his greatest hardships were when he could not make it home for special family events. But even that sacrifice Stanley gave up for his beloved flock. Stanley was a simple hard working famer, who was called to the harvest of souls. But the work ethic he learned growing up in rural Oklahoma served him as he served others. From building a retreat centre, to harvesting side by side with his flock. Stanley knew his main ministry was one of service and presence. He made time for others. And had patterns of spending time with people. He met people where they were. And his presence challenged them to more.
This story will inspire and challenge all who read it. As we read about the time and place where he served. We will think of our own time and place and how we can serve and live better. How we can follow Stanley’s example and be better at being. An excellent read that I highly recommend!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
This was a deeply moving story. I am now a few years older than Blessed Stanley when he was martyred at the age of 46. His feast day is July 28th. The chapters in this volume are:
Foreword by Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City
Introduction by Sister Marita Rother, A.S.C.
1: Love to the Extreme Limit
2: Son of the Red Earth State
3: A New Beginning
4: MICATOKLA: Stanley’s New Home
5: Padre Francisco
6: He Died an Atiteco
7: The Flesh of Jesus
Epilogue by Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran, Archbishop Emeritus of Oklahoma City
This is a wonderful story of faith, of service and of faithfulness. It is moving and inspirational. It was a fascinating story to read. God called and Stanley followed. Even when he did not see a way. For example when he struggled academically. Especially with Latin and then god blessed his with a gift for the Tz’utujil even though he struggled with Ladinos.
““This language is fantastic,” Stanley wrote in a letter to Sister Marita. Explaining further, he wrote:
It isn’t related to any other besides the others here in Guatemala. There are 22 different Indian languages here. The Mayans reached the height of their civilization around the year 1,000 and had a very advanced culture. For some reason they declined and split up into groups or tribes when the Spanish came…. [T]hey were baptized in a wholesale manner, but they never gave up their culture and customs. They still haven’t. They still have their language and especially in our area.”
His one sister was a nun and they were particularly close. But his whole family was close. Some of his greatest hardships were when he could not make it home for special family events. But even that sacrifice Stanley gave up for his beloved flock. Stanley was a simple hard working famer, who was called to the harvest of souls. But the work ethic he learned growing up in rural Oklahoma served him as he served others. From building a retreat centre, to harvesting side by side with his flock. Stanley knew his main ministry was one of service and presence. He made time for others. And had patterns of spending time with people. He met people where they were. And his presence challenged them to more.
This story will inspire and challenge all who read it. As we read about the time and place where he served. We will think of our own time and place and how we can serve and live better. How we can follow Stanley’s example and be better at being. An excellent read that I highly recommend!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
February 15, 2018
I loved reading about a Priest that grew up on a Oklahoma farm and had a very good work ethic that he carried into his priesthood. His work ethic was just one of his strengths that the Tz’utujil people loved as a Mission Priest in Guatemala. The love of the Tz’utujil people is what eventually cost him his life, dying for his people.
October 29, 2024
I’ve known about Bl. Stanley Rother since seminary. His pictures were everywhere at Mt. St. Mary. However, I never read about his life. I knew his story in general, but didn’t pursue it until now. This book was very helpful for me to read, because it gave me great insight into his true holiness. The story was well written and researched. What a heroic witness of being a pastor and never abandoning one’s flock. I have a new friend and mentor in Bl. Stanley!
January 22, 2021
A well-researched biography of Fr. Stanley Rother who, after being ordained a priest for the Diocese of Oklahoma City, served for many years as a missionary to the Tz'utujil people in Guatemala. After becoming beloved by the people in the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala Fr. Rother became a part of their lives, concerns and cares. Killings by different guerilla groups, each with its own agenda, as well as massacres by the Guatemalan army threatened the lives of anyone who spoke out or simply tried to live their simple lives of faith. Although Fr. Rother realized his life was in danger due to all the violence, he continued to serve where he felt he was needed. Ultimately three masked men broke into Fr. Rother's rectory, located in the remote village of Santiago Atitlan, on July 28, 1981 and murdered Fr. Rother. Mrs. Scaperlanda took the time to find and interview many people who served in Guatemala with Fr. Rother, his Bishop, and family members in order to have a complete a profile to portray his life, work and inspiration. He left a legacy of faith and selflessness. An inspiring read and worth the time.
December 15, 2021
Great biography of an ordinary catholic priest who died as a martyr because he loved his people. I think even Protestants, like me, can find much encouragement in this story.
Stanley was an ordinary farm boy from Texas. He failed out of seminary the first time and was close to not becoming a priest. He eventually ended up in a remote village in Guatemala. His unacademic ordinary nature was exactly what prepared him to be a good priest.
I was sucked into story because it’s just about an ordinary priest who loved his people. He didn’t write books or do much out of the ordinary. He simply loved his people and did the best he could. The book holds him in high praise, but does poke a little around his flaws.
The book doesn’t explain the political situation in Guatemala. So interest in that part of the story will have to be satisfied elsewhere. If you want a story about an extraordinary saint doing amazing things then you’ll want to look elsewhere too. But I was drawn to this humble man just doing his best.
Stanley was an ordinary farm boy from Texas. He failed out of seminary the first time and was close to not becoming a priest. He eventually ended up in a remote village in Guatemala. His unacademic ordinary nature was exactly what prepared him to be a good priest.
I was sucked into story because it’s just about an ordinary priest who loved his people. He didn’t write books or do much out of the ordinary. He simply loved his people and did the best he could. The book holds him in high praise, but does poke a little around his flaws.
The book doesn’t explain the political situation in Guatemala. So interest in that part of the story will have to be satisfied elsewhere. If you want a story about an extraordinary saint doing amazing things then you’ll want to look elsewhere too. But I was drawn to this humble man just doing his best.
January 18, 2017
This was such an interesting book as my mom is from Guatemala and I visited the country during the time of such brutal violence. I remember seeing young Guatemalan men carrying these huge guns years before we hear got used to armed soldiers after 9/11. What is remarkable is this young priest died for trying to give mayans the dignity of a good life. He is inspiration as he is an everyman who flunked out of one seminary and almost did not become a priest. He could have run and their is a moment when he was given the offer but he didn't. But he did not go without a fight and it took three men to kill him. He is the kind of example we Catholics need. Not these high and mighty bureaucrats that try to stop go people like Pope Francis. If we had more priest like him, more people like me who not have to so much a crisis of faith.
September 19, 2017
A simple hard working catholic farm boy. Problems academically so much some teachers want him to give up his dream and they gave up on him. With support from a few and a can do attitude he goes further then he ever dreamt. His love of what he does and with who, carry him forward through striff most would forgo. Today we see his work was not in vain. Although he did not get to see all his plans bear fruit. Many have and continue to flourish.
December 29, 2015
A well written book about a quiet, inspiring, strong martyr that too few know of.
August 6, 2022
Two years ago I was searching for shrines nearer to home (Texas) than Lourdes and Fatima and the Holy Land to further petition a special prayer request. From (literally) out of nowhere came the suggestion, "There's that priest in Oklahoma..." and an internet search led me to Blessed Father Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma farm boy who overcame many difficulties to become a priest, and later served as a missionary in Guatemala, a dangerous environment which he embraced with a fatherly love. He was martyred in 1981, beatified in 2017, and his canonization is anticipated in the diocese he served, which is now building a beautiful complex and cathedral in Oklahoma City to honor him.
His story is told by his friend Maria in this book, with testimonials by many who knew this ordinary son of a farming family, an ordinary average student whose competence with hammer and farm tools far exceeded his success in the classroom, but he recognized his vocation early, and despite failing his initial seminary efforts, his home diocese took up his cause and sent him to another seminary, where he eventually earned his ordination to the priesthood,, served in his home parish, and spent his remaining years in an obscure village in Guatemala where Christians were still persecuted by the soldiers, and priests were often on the death list.
We often hear that God doesn't always choose the equipped, but equips the chosen. Here is a young man who flunked Latin and theology in his first attempt as a seminarian, who went on to become not only a priest, but a much- loved pastor who not only became fluent in Spanish, but in the native dialect as well, and not only taught farming skills, but translated prayers and the Bible in both languages. His life is beautifully written and illustrated with photography in this deeply reverent and engaging biography.
Not long after reading this book my husband and I curiously enough had business in Oklahoma City, where we learned more about him from a cousin who had attended his beatification. The next day we visited Father Stanley's parish church in Okarche and learned more about this extraordinary American martyr. We placed our petition at the altar, lit a candle, and prayed for some time. We drove home in beautiful weather and extraordinary peace. We will return, hopefully for the canonization.
His story is told by his friend Maria in this book, with testimonials by many who knew this ordinary son of a farming family, an ordinary average student whose competence with hammer and farm tools far exceeded his success in the classroom, but he recognized his vocation early, and despite failing his initial seminary efforts, his home diocese took up his cause and sent him to another seminary, where he eventually earned his ordination to the priesthood,, served in his home parish, and spent his remaining years in an obscure village in Guatemala where Christians were still persecuted by the soldiers, and priests were often on the death list.
We often hear that God doesn't always choose the equipped, but equips the chosen. Here is a young man who flunked Latin and theology in his first attempt as a seminarian, who went on to become not only a priest, but a much- loved pastor who not only became fluent in Spanish, but in the native dialect as well, and not only taught farming skills, but translated prayers and the Bible in both languages. His life is beautifully written and illustrated with photography in this deeply reverent and engaging biography.
Not long after reading this book my husband and I curiously enough had business in Oklahoma City, where we learned more about him from a cousin who had attended his beatification. The next day we visited Father Stanley's parish church in Okarche and learned more about this extraordinary American martyr. We placed our petition at the altar, lit a candle, and prayed for some time. We drove home in beautiful weather and extraordinary peace. We will return, hopefully for the canonization.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
The story is remarkable, the writing leaves a good deal to be desired. As I get prepare send my own physically talented, eager-to-serve, academically-disinclined son out into the world, the timeliness of this life and example cannot be overestimated. This was the right book for the right season.
November 3, 2025
I think I don’t like biographies, beginning and end were slow but the middle was great.
September 9, 2017
Fr. Stanley Rothor, a native of Oklahoma, will be beatified on Sept. 23, declared a martyr by Pope Francis. He spent 18 years living among and serving an impoverished indigenous mountainous community in Guatemala. Because of his connection to the poor, he was targeted by the Guatemalan military and killed in 1981. It is possible that he may become the first male born in the United States to be canonized a saint. I became interested in his story because his cousin is a member of my parish. Although I am glad I read this biography, I thought the writing was mediocre, far too much repetition.
June 19, 2016
An amazing book that captures not only the heart of a missionary/saint, but the reality of life for the indigenous during the Guatemala civil war. I am inspired and thankful upon reading this fine account of Father Stanley Rother.
February 2, 2018
I would have liked more context for Fr. Rother's story.
November 27, 2022
The Shepherd Who Didn't Run by Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda is the remarkable story of Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma farmer who became a priest and gave his life for his flock.
Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda details the life of Stanley from a young man who loved his family and farm, to a young seminarian who struggled to complete courses necessary to become a priest. She details his years as a parish priest in Oklahoma until his calling as a missionary sends him to Guatemala. It is here that Father Stanley will find his life's vocation and true calling as he falls in love with the people and parishioners in this Central American country.
As the years go by and the political climate begins to change, persecutions abound and kidnappings and murders of catechists and religious becomes all to frequent. It soon becomes apparent Father Stanley's life is in danger, but he is determined to stay with his flock come what may. In the end Father Stanley paid the ultimate price of loving and leading his flock. A true martyr in every sense of the word, this story of this remarkable priest will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. A notable story every reader will appreciate!
Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda details the life of Stanley from a young man who loved his family and farm, to a young seminarian who struggled to complete courses necessary to become a priest. She details his years as a parish priest in Oklahoma until his calling as a missionary sends him to Guatemala. It is here that Father Stanley will find his life's vocation and true calling as he falls in love with the people and parishioners in this Central American country.
As the years go by and the political climate begins to change, persecutions abound and kidnappings and murders of catechists and religious becomes all to frequent. It soon becomes apparent Father Stanley's life is in danger, but he is determined to stay with his flock come what may. In the end Father Stanley paid the ultimate price of loving and leading his flock. A true martyr in every sense of the word, this story of this remarkable priest will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. A notable story every reader will appreciate!
April 8, 2025
This book is a wonderful testament to Fr Stanley Rother. He truly lived to be the presence of Jesus to the people God sent him to. His story is one of overcoming obstacles to his prod at up n, remaining true to his roots, and eventually uniting himself to Christ’s death by his own martyrdom. Well
Worth the read. A witness necessary for this era. Father was apolitical but the very act of loving and witnessing to Christ’s love becomes a political act for those who idolize political power. The rise of political idolization which is already sacrificing basic human dignity in the US could lead to the unthinkable l. The author sought to compare him to St Jihn Vianney yet having just visited the tomb of Bl Jerzy Popeliusko I find a link between them as well. Let us hope that seeing this violence against the poor and their shepherds cause us to refocus on Christ and not the idols of this world.
Worth the read. A witness necessary for this era. Father was apolitical but the very act of loving and witnessing to Christ’s love becomes a political act for those who idolize political power. The rise of political idolization which is already sacrificing basic human dignity in the US could lead to the unthinkable l. The author sought to compare him to St Jihn Vianney yet having just visited the tomb of Bl Jerzy Popeliusko I find a link between them as well. Let us hope that seeing this violence against the poor and their shepherds cause us to refocus on Christ and not the idols of this world.
December 1, 2025
Truly, Jesus testified both in word and deed that a good shepherd would lay down his life for the sheep. María Ruíz Scaperlanda offers a striking portrait of a 20th century follower of Christ who also made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of God’s people. Blessed Stanley Rother, a quiet hardworking farm boy from Oklahoma ordained a Catholic priest, would not abandon his Guatemalan flock to the wolves notwithstanding his being well aware of the increasingly hostile environment. Despite having found seminary studies extremely challenging, this pastor of souls learned the difficult Tz’utujil language so as to both preach the Gospel to the natives as well as practice it through pastoral charity and empathic closeness. I found much encouragement and inspiration from this book as will all people of goodwill, particularly those who listen to the Good Shepherd’s voice and strive to follow him.
June 11, 2018
The story of Father Stanley Rother, born in 1935 and martyred in 1981 is one that all of today's U.S. Catholics should know. The book is written slightly uneven, but is an honest and complete look at his life, mission, and death. It makes good use of interviews with people who knew him, as well as respecting those who Fr. Rother (Padre A'Plas or Fr Francis in the native language) ministered to.
There is a short video online that also gives the story, if you'd like a summary to help with the reading OR if you'd like to share his story with younger kids. (The book would be good for teenagers and up, I think). The 20 or so minute video is on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55y77...
It would be great to see an accompanying study guide, that would help point out how US foreign policy affected both Fr. Rother and the people he served. Perhaps Maryknoll could do it?
There is a short video online that also gives the story, if you'd like a summary to help with the reading OR if you'd like to share his story with younger kids. (The book would be good for teenagers and up, I think). The 20 or so minute video is on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55y77...
It would be great to see an accompanying study guide, that would help point out how US foreign policy affected both Fr. Rother and the people he served. Perhaps Maryknoll could do it?
July 31, 2024
This book was special to me because one of my dear friends who is a Sister named after Fr Stanley Rother recommended it to me. Prior to reading this, I had never heard about Father Stanley Rother, and I was not expecting it to impact me the way that it did. I often give a book a 5 star review if I find myself continuously thinking about it even when the book is not in my hands. That's how this one was. I was so excited to discuss this book with Sister. I think this story is incredibly sad, but important for us to know. It is important to recognize all the sacrifices and impacts that Father Rother made. It is no wonder why the people he sacrificed everything for thought of him as a Saint. This story is heartbreaking, yet so touching. I highly recommend it.
December 31, 2019
The author was at pains to show the Martyr was not involved in politics: but that only left unanswered why he was killed. I wasn't sure if the author was missing the obvious content of her story or else trying to hide it because the anti-American implications would be difficult to sell. (The martyr was reported to his bishop, to the US embassy, and to the Guatemalan govt for political activities by a fellow Catholic: there was a lot left unsaid.) Blessed Stanley Rother, pray for us and for all who work for justice for the poor!
October 15, 2017
This is a strong biography of the Oklahoma farm boy who defied academic struggles to be ordained a priest and was later martyred in Central America. His life and service are an inspiration and it's only a matter of time before he is deservedly declared a saint.
What I like most about this book is it shows Fr. Stan's human side, how he connected with the people he served and the courage he displayed in such difficult circumstances.
What I like most about this book is it shows Fr. Stan's human side, how he connected with the people he served and the courage he displayed in such difficult circumstances.
January 9, 2020
An inspiring overview of the life and ultimate sacrifice of one of Christianity's great modern martyrs. The fact that one man who nearly washed out of seminary ended up serving as such a poor area's only missionary, totally giving himself in love and service to the local indigenous population until the hour of his death, speaks volumes about what Catholicism and the grace of God can accomplish for the spiritual and material benefit of so many.
July 20, 2022
A priest who personified Jesus
This biography moved me to tears. To me Father Stan personified Christ. When he became missionary n Guatemala, he became “ of them, not just with them.” By immersing himself with the people, he gained their trust and respect. Giving his life for his people just as Jesus did exemplifies his holiness and model for us. I think everyone should read this book as an example of how we all should pattern our lives.
This biography moved me to tears. To me Father Stan personified Christ. When he became missionary n Guatemala, he became “ of them, not just with them.” By immersing himself with the people, he gained their trust and respect. Giving his life for his people just as Jesus did exemplifies his holiness and model for us. I think everyone should read this book as an example of how we all should pattern our lives.
April 8, 2018
A wonderful and inspiring story of priestly love and devotion to Our Lord's flock.
This book describes the life of Fr. Stanley Rother and his love for his people, his vocation, and his God. May we all receive hope and encouragement to continue his work in missionaries for our brothers and sisters most in need.
This book describes the life of Fr. Stanley Rother and his love for his people, his vocation, and his God. May we all receive hope and encouragement to continue his work in missionaries for our brothers and sisters most in need.
March 14, 2020
While the story of Blessed Stanley Rother is one of astounding perseverance and poignant love of neighbor, the material presented is not as well-sourced as similar biographies As such, it is a little disappointing and akin to an obituary written by close friends and relatives obviously fond of the decedent.
September 22, 2020
This book is about Fr. Stanley Rother, a priest from Oklahoma that was martyred in Guatemala. He recently was canonized as a saint. The book was informational. What I liked was learning about this inspiring man. I suspect biographies written about him in the future might be easier to read and told more like a story.
December 4, 2022
A great book about a great man. Father Rother gave his life to the people of his parish every day of his ministry. In every way, simple and deep and did everything for his people. What a great example of a loving person.
December 12, 2018
Truly amazing witness
This is an amazing story of a contemporary martyr who truly cared for his people in Guatemala. He was brave and devoted to his flock.
This is an amazing story of a contemporary martyr who truly cared for his people in Guatemala. He was brave and devoted to his flock.
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