by Leif Arvidson, Executive Director for the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine
After his Resurrection and before his Ascension into heaven, Jesus spoke these powerful words to his disciples: “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).
Almost two millennia later, in his first pastoral letter, Archbishop Coakley adopted the Great Commission – specifically, the phrase “Go Make Disciples” – as the foundational vision and mission of the archdiocese.
Blessed Stanley Rother carried out this commission well, serving as a missionary and proclaiming the Gospel in distant lands. The work of teaching the Gospel is essentially a work of love – love of God and love of neighbor – and as Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This is exactly what Blessed Stanley did – he gave his life for his friends. And his martyrdom provided seed for the growth of the Church.
In particular, his martyrdom is the cause for the building of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. The shrine will be a place of pilgrimage, meaning that people will travel from near and far to visit the site, to pray and to rededicate their lives to God. The Holy Eucharist is central to the life of the Church and to the life of individual Christians.
As a pilgrimage site, the shrine will offer daily Mass, so that pilgrims can receive grace and strength to live the Christian life. Reconciliation is another essential aspect of pilgrimage, and Confession will be available every day at the shrine, so that pilgrims can receive forgiveness of their sins.
An essential work of the shrine will be to honor Blessed Stanley and tell pilgrims the story of his life. His body will be laid to rest in a beautiful chapel within the shrine church where pilgrims will have the opportunity to pray and seek his intercession.
A museum will be located in the Pilgrim Center where people can learn about Blessed Stanley’s life and witness. His life and his heroic martyrdom will encourage pilgrims and inspire them to follow his example and dedicate their lives to serving God and others.
And the shrine will serve the growing Hispanic community. Centuries ago, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. On the shrine grounds, we have built a version of Tepeyac Hill that stands close to 50 feet tall. A beautiful statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be found at its summit, along with a statue of Saint Juan Diego in prayer. This will undoubtedly be an inspiring place of prayer and contemplation for pilgrims.
A ministry and education building will eventually be located across the zocalo, or plaza, from the Pilgrim Center. Classes and workshops will be offered in this building to assist with evangelization efforts. In this way, the shrine will help to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Thus, in response to the Great Commission and the vision of Archbishop Coakley, the shrine will take part in the mission to proclaim the Gospel and lead souls to Christ, through the heroic example of Blessed Stanley Rother.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine later this year, along with numerous pilgrims from near and far. To support the shrine as we begin this vital ministry, please use the enclosed envelope or visit us at gift.rothershrine.org.
Thank you for your continued generosity!
Blessed Stanley Rother, pray for us!