As the Blessed Stanley Rother shrine nears completion, an excited buzz is palpable in south Oklahoma City. Since the groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 3, 2019, the gradual progression of construction of the shrine has been witnessed by thousands of passing motorists each day.
While the details of the dedication are being tended to, people of all faiths are waiting with bated breath for the opening. In particular, the family of Blessed Stanley is eagerly anticipating the dedication. Sue Rother Bond, Blessed Stanley’s first cousin once removed, has contributed to the shrine in many ways. A museum on the shrine campus will feature her children's book about Blessed Stanley. The biography, titled “Blessed Stanley Rother: An Extraordinary Ordinary Life” has also been translated into Spanish by Bond’s daughter who lives in Mexico.
As the beatification neared, Bond was looking for something that would get younger children excited about the historic event. “I grew up hearing stories about Blessed Stanley and I loved them,” Bond explained. “I knew his many virtues would be relatable to young people, because he was a wonderful role model for me.”
Bond self-published the book so Blessed Stanley’s story could be shared quickly. Proceeds from book sales are donated to causes that Bond feels Blessed Stanley would approve of, including sending relief to Guatemala during the pandemic. Additionally, the proceeds were used to establish a tree farm at the site of the shrine. For Bond, it was important to support causes that will serve to honor Blessed Stanley’s legacy.
“When I began serving on the shrine board, I noticed numerous trees included in the architects’ rendering. Although there is a budget for landscaping, I realized that the number of trees would likely not match with the landscaping budget,” Bond said. “My husband and I own 42 acres that had been mined for dirt and were barren. We learned economic ways to restore the land that included planting trees from bare root seedlings. So, we decided to do the same for the shrine and donated the tree farm. Now 3,000 seedlings and the watering system have produced many 12-foot trees.” The trees will be transplanted around the property, allowing Bond to help pay it forward to the visitors of the shrine.
Bond’s relation to Blessed Stanley is like a puzzle. “Blessed Stanley’s mother, Gertrude Smith Rother married Blessed Stan’s father, Franz Rother, and my grandmother, Elizabeth Smith Rother, Gertrude’s sister, married my grandfather, Hank Rother, Franz’s uncle,” she explained.
As part of the Rother family, Bond described her unique perspective on the shrine and the devotion to Blessed Stanley. “I feel incredibly proud as a Rother and as an Oklahoman Catholic to see the shrine become a reality,” said Bond. “I also love the excitement the shrine has created in the Oklahoma City community in general!”
The legacy of Blessed Stanley is a strong presence in Oklahoma, and the dedication of the shrine is sure to amplify that legacy. Bond feels that Blessed Stanley would be happy to see how his legacy is working to bring people closer to God.
“Blessed Stanley was a very humble man, but I do think he would be pleased to see more space for the overcrowded Oklahoma parishes serving the Hispanic Catholic community,” she said. “The shrine’s presence is a beautiful way to give glory to God and provide a wonderful manifestation of the Catholic faith.”
Patrick Rother, Blessed Stanley’s nephew, is excited about the opening and dedication of the shrine as well.
“It’s great for Oklahoma Catholics,” Rother said. “It will highlight a good man and how his example is something we can all do.”
Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.