In this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty interviews Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda, promoter of the canonization cause of Father Stanley Rother, a priest from Oklahoma who became a martyr in Guatemala. They discuss Father Rother’s upbringing, his journey to the priesthood and his deep connection with the local community in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala.
Father Rother grew up in Oklahoma, instilled with values of family, farming and faith. He faced challenges in seminary but was supported by a bishop who believed in him. Father Rother volunteered for a mission in Guatemala, where he connected deeply with the local community.
He learned the local language, Tz’utujil, to better serve the people.
Rother’s practical skills in farming helped him relate to the local farmers. He became fluent in Tz’utujil and even translated the Bible into it. Father Rother stood up for his community during a time of civil unrest and violence. He was placed on a blacklist due to his advocacy for the people.
Father Rother returned to Guatemala knowing the risks, fulfilling his promise to his community.
The conversation highlights Father Rother’s advocacy for his people and the impact he had on the community. Scaperlanda also shares insights about the documentary “An American Martyr: The Father Rother Story,” which aims to bring Blessed Stanley Rother’s story to a wider audience. The documentary will be in theaters nationwide Aug. 25-26 in English and Aug. 27 in Spanish.
Click play below to listen to the full interview.
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