The Blessed Stanley Rother Sanctuary in Oklahoma City is an excellent example that new churches built in traditional styles do not have to be kitsch. What’s more, they can be both rooted in tradition and visually refined. Rather than architectural mediocrity, the design by Franck & Lohsen Architects offers forms based on proven historical models. The building commemorates the life and martyrdom of the first US-born priest to be beatified by the Catholic Church. Blessed Stanley Rother gave his life in the service of the indigenous people of Guatemala.
Architecture inspired by faith
The design of the temple complex was based on the patterns of religious architecture from the Spanish colonial period with a touch of Roman Baroque. Characteristic elements include the light-coloured brick walls, red clay roofs, arcaded loggias, a façade with two towers and a dome that dominates the whole. This last element weighs more than 20 tonnes, is 10 metres high and 12 metres in diameter. It was made on the ground and then moved to its final location, becoming the main landmark of the building. The floors inside the temple were made of Saltillo clay tiles, which were laid by hand. On some of them you can see the paw prints of the animals that left them while they were drying. This subtle but also very charming detail refers to the tradition of Mexican craftsmanship. The main space in the chancel is occupied by a hand-carved retable made in the workshop of Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875 of Ortisei, Italy. A 19th-century crucifix and a statue of Blessed Stanley Rother are placed in the central niche. It is accompanied by figures of St Therese of Lisieux and St James the Greater. On the sides are statues of St Peter and St Paul. Two 16th century columns from Spain and a tabernacle with a dome referring to the one that crowns the church complete the decoration.
The Shrine of Blessed Stanley Rother – artand symbolism
The shrine’s liturgical furnishings, such as the altar, the pulpit and the statues of Our Lady and St Joseph, were handmade in the same Italian workshop. All pieces contain rich iconography. They depict the Sacred Heart of Jesus surrounded by thorns and crowned with a cross, the Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced by a sword and surrounded by roses, and the Most Pure Heart of St Joseph surrounded by lilies. Each of the hearts is crowned with flames, which symbolise God’s love. The Stations of the Cross are a collection of hand-painted replicas of the stations from the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Puebla, Mexico. All 14 pieces are surrounded by shells symbolising pilgrimage, and the cross of St James, referring to the missionary and martyrdom nature of the site. Liturgical items, including candlesticks, a paschal, a perpetual lamp and vessels, are made of silver in accordance with Spanish-colonial tradition. The furniture in the vestibule, meanwhile, are antiques or reproductions imported from Mediterrania in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Chapel and burial site
In the centre of the sanctuary is the chapel where the body of Blessed Stanley Rother rests under the altar. The altar, pulpit and tabernacle are stylistically in keeping with the main part of the church. The nave is decorated with a frieze with the monograms “IHS” (the initials of the name of Jesus in Greek) and “SFR” – the initials of Stanley Francis Rother. The dome of the chapel is covered with a painting by EverGreene Studios. It depicts the risen Christ and the Holy Youths welcoming Blessed Stanley among the martyrs. A statue of him with a relic at its base was placed in the back of the chapel.
Pilgrim centre and museum
A Pilgrim Centre has been built next to the church to commemorate the life and mission of Blessed Stanley Rother. The building houses a museum designed by Exhibit Concepts, a company known, among other things, for its realisation of an exhibition dedicated to the Oklahoma City bombing. The exhibition depicts the priest’s life journey – from his childhood in Okarche, Oklahoma, to his missionary work in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, to his martyrdom. The museum displays personal memorabilia, photographs and documents attesting to the pastoral, educational and agricultural work carried out among the Tz’utujil people. The building also houses a shop selling devotional and religious art.
A life of service and sacrifice
Stanley Rother was born in 1935 on a farm in the state of Oklahoma. After years of working on the farm, he made the decision to enter the seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1963. He served initially in his home diocese and then joined a missionary team working in Guatemala. There he devoted himself completely to the local Mayan community of Tz’utujil. He learned their language and carried out pastoral, educational and relief work. Despite the deteriorating political situation and threats from paramilitary forces, he decided to return to Guatemala after a short stay in Oklahoma. He justified this with the words: “A shepherd cannot run away”. Rother was murdered on 28 July 1981 in his parsonage by unknown assailants. His death reverberated throughout the Catholic Church and led to his beatification. In 2016, Pope Francis recognised him as a martyr, and in 2017 a solemn beatification ceremony took place with the participation of more than 20,000 faithful.
Shrine of Blessed Stanley Rother – a place ofremembrance and spirituality
Dedicated in 2023, the Shrine of Blessed Stanley Rother almost immediately became an important pilgrimage centre and place of prayer for Catholics, particularly for the Hispanic community in Oklahoma. As a sacred site, it exemplifies the perfect blend of architectural beauty, tradition and a profound spiritual message.
Source: archokc.org, rothershrine.org
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