Shrine dedicated to Blessed Stanley Rother, first U.S. martyr recognized by Catholic Church

The dedication of a shrine to honor Blessed Stanley Rother, the first martyr from the U.S. recognized by the Catholic Church, drew thousands to New York. Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City praised Rother as an ordinary man with deep faith, setting an example for all Catholics in a hostile world.

Rother, a priest shot to death in Guatemala during the nation’s civil war, was beatified in 2017. Coakley highlighted Rother’s struggles and ultimate sacrifice, urging Catholics to follow his path of heroism and intentionality in living out their faith.

The $50 million shrine features Rother’s body as the principal relic, along with a re-creation of Tepeyac Hill where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Juan Diego. Coakley called on attendees to share Rother’s story and encourage vocations to the priesthood, emphasizing Rother’s relatability and appeal as an ordinary man who became a saint.

The dedication ceremony was attended by Archbishop Christopher Pierre, Archbishop Emeritus Eusebius Beltran, and Archbishop Gonzalo de Villa, among others. Coakley urged all to seek Rother’s intercession and strive for holiness in their own lives, inspired by the example of Blessed Stanley Rother.