Blessed Stanley Rother refused to abandon his people, even when remaining with them placed his own life in danger. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Ed Jeep, whose family has a fascinating personal connection to the Oklahoma priest and martyr.

Ed’s father was a Catholic priest who knew and served alongside Fr. Stanley Rother before later leaving active ministry. That family connection eventually inspired Ed’s own passion for sharing Rother’s story and promoting devotion to him.

Fr. Edward and Ed discuss the political turmoil and violence that produced numerous martyrs in Central America, as well as Fr. Rother’s fear that he might be abducted and killed far from his parish. He worried that his people would mistakenly believe he had abandoned them. Ed recounts the events surrounding Rother’s martyrdom and explains why his cause, which was initially considered alongside those of other martyrs, eventually proceeded on its own.

They also explore:

Fr. Rother’s life and ministry among the people of Guatemala
The circumstances surrounding his martyrdom
Fr. Edward’s missed opportunity to visit the place where Rother was killed
Reactions to images of Rother dressed as a missionary and farmer rather than in clerical attire
The remarkable priestly and religious vocations that emerged from the mission after his death
The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City
Ed Jeep’s efforts to promote devotion in Washington, D.C.
Growing pockets of devotion to Blessed Stanley Rother throughout the United States
An upcoming documentary narrated by Martin Sheen

Blessed Stanley Rother’s life offers a compelling example of pastoral courage, missionary dedication, and a priest’s willingness to remain with his people until the end.

Learn more about Ed Jeep’s work at stanleyrotherproject.org.