Film narrated by Martin Sheen brings the life of America’s first martyred priest to theatres
The journey of Blessed Stanley Rother, the Oklahoma-born missionary priest whose unwavering faith and service inspired generations of Catholics around the world, is coming to theatres, from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Narrated by Academy Award nominee Martin Sheen, “American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” is a feature-length documentary that will debut in theatres nationwide Aug. 25. The film is produced by Lampstand Story Company of Oklahoma City and distributed by Fathom Entertainment.
It will air in Lincoln at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 and 26, at Marcus Lincoln Grand Cinemas, 1101 P St. It will also be shown in Omaha, Bellevue and Council Bluffs Aug. 25-27.
Born on a wheat farm in Oklahoma, Father Stanley Rother devoted his life to serving the indigenous Tz’utujil people of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. He immersed himself in their culture, learned their language and helped translate the New Testament into Tz’utujil, becoming a beloved shepherd to the community he served.
As violence escalated during Guatemala’s civil war and his name appeared on a death list, Father Rother was urged to leave. He chose to return to his parishioners, guided by his conviction that “the shepherd cannot run.” His decision ultimately led to his murder in 1981 and, decades later, recognition as the first American-born priest officially declared a martyr by the Catholic Church. He was beatified in 2017.
Bishop James Conley of Lincoln called “American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” a “remarkably well-made film about an extraordinary man of faith and courage.”
“Blessed Stanley Rother poured out his heart and soul in serving his adopted family of Santiago Atitlan in Guatemala,” he said. “He took seriously his spiritual fatherhood toward his people, and instead of remaining safe and protected during a visit home to Oklahoma in the winter of 1981, chose to return to Guatemala where he faced certain death. His story of heroic martyrdom, lived out in a very simple and ordinary way, is a must see for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
María Ruiz Scaperlanda is the promoter of Blessed Stanley Rother’s cause for canonization. She said he was “an ordinary man who responded to God’s call with extraordinary courage, ultimately laying down his life for the people he served in Guatemala.”
“My hope is that this film will inspire countless people to discover Blessed Stanley’s life, seek his intercession and recognize that sainthood is possible for ordinary men and women who faithfully follow Christ wherever He leads,” she said.
To view the trailer, purchase tickets or receive updates, visit www.rotherdoc.com or FathomEntertainment.com.
