Farmer, Priest, and Martyr

[@KephasIsStPeter]

Being an Oklahoman, I feel so close to Blessed Stanley Rother. I can’t wait for the day he gets canonized as a Saint.

[@karys2005]

From Lithuania With Love !!! One Love !!!

[@biliepiper14]

I've been to a mass in the nowheresville area of Oklahoma where this guy is from and heard a homily about his life. It's so incredible- This guy grew up on a farm, like Father Mike said, and decided to become a priest. He failed out of seminary multiple times because he couldn't learn Latin, but eventually the bishop said to push him through and allow him to become a priest. He became sort of the diocese handyman-priest, sent to fix things and build things, but he was never given much responsibility as a priest. He was sort of on the sidelines and not given much thought. He took up that call to be a missionary in Guatemala, and became first the assistant pastor and then the pastor. His knowledge of farming was invaluable to these people- he taught them all of his modern farming techniques with saved many of them from starvation and was constantly working with his hands and helping physically rebuild and repair the community. And the man who couldn't learn Latin not only learned the indigenous language of these people but also began translating the New Testament. Eventually the local government began showing their displeasure with Fr. Rother through violence, and the Church saw fit to bring him back to the United States for his safety. He obediently returned, but after a few months in the US he came to his bishop and said 'a shepard cannot abandon his flock' and asked to return to Guatemala. He knew he was going to be killed if he returned, but he needed to be with his flock. He returned to Guatemala and was attacked and martyred in the middle of the night. The church I was in had a relic- a piece of his arm bone I believe- set up underneath a painting of him. He's a completely ordinary looking man, with the textiles of the Guatemalans over his shoulder and holding the translated bible in his hands. That was his place. It's an amazing story of God working through his servant and bringing out miracles in subtle and incredible ways. I can highly recommend learning more about him and his life.

[@larrycera9276]

If he couldn’t learn latin how did he go to Guatemala and teach Spanish speakers?

[@biliepiper14]

@@larrycera9276 That's what made it so incredible. They weren't just Spanish speakers, they had their own indigenous language called Tz'utujil, which. He mastered it and translated the New Testament into their native language for the first time, as well as celebrating Mass in that language. A man who struggled to learn Latin was able to learn and master two new languages, and in create the written form of one of them.

[@nuriacb7880]

Larry, latin is a dead language, it is difficult to learn. But with spanish or any other modern language, it is easier because you will learn with practise and listening to others. Even if your spanish isn't brilliant, we can understand you.

[@larrycera9276]

Nuria CB as someone who has learned both an other dead languages, I disagree. Also, priests understanding o Latin is often poor(was in pre novus ordo day’s and is today in many traditional orders who use it, e.g. sspx, FSSP, ICK, CMRI, ICMB, etc.). They didn’t speak it only needed to have enough to follow declensions 1 through 5, simple liturgical Latin syntax based on missal and breviary, etc. I’ve used old course books used before the modernist take over at Vatican 2. However, your point is taken, my friend. I appreciate the time for response and pray Hail Mary for your intention for the appreciation. Please don’t take this to be one of the endless personal attacks against you because of my counter point. We need to be together on this, and if you are in favor of traditional interpretation and acceptance of miracles and other aspects of the faith, I am your brother

[@galadethlaernis6266]

@@nuriacb7880 Latin is definitely NOT a dead language. Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest uses it....they are all over the world & growing. Our Holy Masses are beautiful! Oremus! Deo gratias! Pax et bonum!

[@lauracastillo9410]

Thank you I am just now coming across this. My family attempted to attend his beatification but did not make it in. It was such a a blessing to be in the presence of so many believers even if we never got inside💜🙏🦋 Blessed Father Rother pray for us.

[@Cpripri85]

Thank you, Unemployed and being evicted, outside of my power and no fault of my own.....I NEEDED this. If it wasn't for my faith and relationships with Christ. I might not be here.

[@ivanbrewer4467]

Christopher Charles stay strong!

[@robonymous4620]

Hang in there, brother. And give it all to Jesus. He *_will_* give you grace and you *_will_* give Him glory by your life. God loves you. I pray that you will *know* His love for you, deep down in your heart and soul, and that you will have joy to the fullest, true joy, the kind of joy that only God's love can give you. May God bless and keep you always. 🕆📿✌💞😆

[@zimrah4837]

Your not alone in this. The lesson in this is learning that God is your provider not your job. He will meet every need. Hang in there. God bless you.

[@neethuantony]

God loves u This time shall pass and make u stronger!!!

[@saraabdallah5886]

I just wanted to share with you a quote I really love by Ven. Francis Libermann: “I never cross a bridge without the thought of throwing myself over the parapet, to put an end to these afflictions. But the sight of my Jesus sustains me and gives me patience.” May the sight of Jesus continue to sustain you and give you patience. I will keep you in my prayers.

[@pattyevans9250]

My son, Matthew, took the name of Fr. Stanley Rother for his Confirmation name. Matthew was born in Edmond , OK, where we lived for 11 wonderful years. We were of the parish of St. John the Baptist Church...wonderful parish where I became acquainted with Fr. Stanley. Father came to St. John's and gave a talk after a Mass during his brief respite back in the US before returning to Guatemala. I was so saddened to learn that it was a member of our Church who brought about his demise by complaining about his views to our Guatemalan embassy. I am sick at heart even now. Blessed Fr. Stanley, pray for us.

[@AgathaDrinksTea]

"I love you in the Jesus way." best line of the whole video and this was an A++ video so... seriously gonna be using that from now on though hahaha

[@GoKnightTime]

I am actually from Okarche, Ok where he grew up and where he started his priest life. Bl. Father Stanley Rother is also a family member of mine. I was given the amazing opportunity to go to his beatification and it was an amazing experience and I grew in deeper appreciation of him and of Christ.

[@pattyevans9250]

My son took his name for his confirmation. Fr. Stanley pray for us all to be brave in this time.

[@SanyIlaya]

Blessed Stanley Rother, pray for us 🙏🏻

[@greenhills6168]

I dont’ know who needed to hear this message today more than I ... Thank you

[@fadiajokhaji]

You are amazing. I feel you are the kind of priest that one can sit with for hours and hours talking about anything and you just make them feel so worthy of God's love . There is something about you that can't be seen in other priests. You have this amazing spirit that can lift up anyone you come in contact with. You definitely have an amazing impact on so many people. God bless you Father

[@rosemarylynch9867]

I am from Oklahoma. And I grew up hearing about Father Rother. And then I had the great privilage of attending his beatification, in fact I was a volunteer. It was so cool. The arena was full. Standing room only. And there were people who had to watch on the screens outside. And there were thousands upon thousands watching from home. Honestly was one of the coolest experiences of my life. And to be a part of that... It was incredible.

[@lauracastillo9410]

We were there but didn't make it in it was such a blessing being there.

[@jedisilvr]

My parish's priest was cousins with Blessed Stanley Rother. One of the last times Blessed Stanley Rother was in the United States it was to see him get ordained.

[@chrisclark6832]

Is your Priest Fr. Wolfe?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

love ya too Father Mike 😂 pax et caritas!

[@LucijaC24]

Challenge accepted: Roses are red, my life has a story, even if it's bad, God can use it for his glory. ;)

[@poetlover30]

Love it!

[@nataliabenoit4653]

Hey hey look at that rhyme

[@marthalopez877]

I went to Fr. Stanley Rother(ROWther) beautification in Oklahoma City. He is from Okarche, Oklahoma, a small farming town which has a home for adults with Downs Syndrome. There is now a beautiful shrine in Oklahoma City to Fr. Stanley Rother. It is an amazing place.

[@carimorris6604]

Love you in the Jesus way too! ;)

[@nataliabenoit4653]

I needed to hear this I got this flashback of my one friend who said something similar after I told her my struggles and she took a plastic fork and broke it and said "now can you use this fork?" I said "you could but its really difficult" she said "yes you are right but if you had a good fork of course you would use the unbroken one right? This broken fork is like our broken lives but Jesus in His power takes these broken things as an unforgettable way to establish beauty" I said how its a broken fork but then she showed this arts and crafts thing she did with a bunch of broken forks made into this beautiful vase for flowers and she said "Broken but not forgotten the unbroken fork is it on display for all to see? No it is not but these broken ones are on display for all to see and that is what God does with our broken lives so remember your broken sure but not forgotten" this just rezapped me in hoping again that tho all is lost it seems like I guess its as you said Father theres nothing that doesn't get used by God thank you so much for this

[@poetlover30]

Love this! Thank you!

[@marilinpatriciaserrano4981]

Natalia Marcondes I needed to see this! Broken but not forgotten!

[@michelleboustani9065]

what a beautiful explanation. Simple and true. Thank you. God bless

[@Hayfay27]

I was at Blessed Father Stanleys Beautification in OKC about 2 years ago! Such an incredible experience!

[@paullewis7148]

Even more amazing regarding Fr Rother (long "o" as in "both") and his struggle with Latin...The indigenous people he served in Santiago Attitlan, for the most part did not speak Spanish. They spoke a local dialect called Tzutuhil. In addition to Spanish, Fr Rother mastered the Tzutuhil language, and translated the New Testament into Tzutuhil. I highly recommend a book written by Maria Scaperlanda, "The Shephered Who Didn't Run."

[@BigChonk567]

I am related by law to Stanley through Joe Rother, his cousin and my adopted father. They both grew up together and he told me a story of him when they were on the bus one day. Stanley's brother Tommy got Joe in trouble with the bus driver and might of gotten punished if it wasn't for Stanley, who said "It was your fault Tom." It just goes to show how much of a good person he was even as a child. I'm thankful to be related to this future saint.

[@michaell9828]

I think you nailed it Fr. Mike. I honestly can’t think of a better way to put it than “Our Story, His Glory.” It’s true even in the smallest things, which is why I love how this video ends! Peace and love you too.

[@andrewjackson3278]

God wastes nothing. That realization actually gave me chills. Man Father Mike just has a golden tongue.

[@rachelmueller3712]

God can use all our pain, to glorify his name.

[@faninme]

LOL at " I sound like a tele-evangelist", Father Mike. I used to listen to him although I consider myself a devout Catholic. But there was time that I kept going to the hospital for surgery for not two but three consecutive years. My sufferings did not seem to make sense with his "abundance" preaching. I felt like questioning God on why I was sickly while others have the "abundance", until I decided to go to confession. The priest told me that my suffering when offered to Jesus can diminish my purgatory. I felt so at peace. I stopped listening to the well-known tele-evangelist and appreciated more my Catholic faith. Yes once again I surrender my struggles to Him. Thank you for the reminder, Father Mike. I love you back, hehehe , the Jesus way.

[@robertmeyers8138]

Awesome! Visited the shrine in Guatemala last year. Great Priest, Shepherds don't run away from the sheep....

[@JCSanto]

You never fail to make me smile Fr. Mike . Thanks again and may the Blessed Mother smile down on you and bless you many many times Father Mike. ✌️

[@susanajuarez6796]

Thank you Father, I personally had the opportunity to get closer to Fr. Aplas (as people from Santiago name it) Life's and missing , I went to his beatification and was one of the best experiences I ever had, I also visited Santiago where his heart is buried and is amazing how God used him for his Glory and as an example of his mercy to all of us. hope you had the chance to come to Guatemala one day! thanks for this podcast, straight to the heart. God Bless!

[@jonathangoodwin646]

Father Mike I really needed that . I left the church I came back Did all my confessions Is going to mass every Sunday Taken away communion. I made a horrible mistake I want to A Is Baptist church Then I realized how big a mistake I made And so Is All your topics really help me but this is Something I need. Is the Baptist church where I used to He is give me such a hard time Is my stress in my anxiety Has been high He showed Up At my apartment I didn't like that 1 bit I just want him to leave me Alone . I'm not complaining I just want to Is practice my favor as a Catholic Doing what God has asked me to do . And I'm learning more and more as I listen to 2 father Mike

[@kotz446]

Love you in the Jesus way too, Father Mike. Thanks for relating the story, and drawing the connections.

[@live_free_or_die7260]

He was a fisher of men and laid down the seeds for the faith of the people to grow.

[@murrax7639]

We talked about Blessed Father Rother at RCIA last week!

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

How wonderful all the saints and martyrs. May we join them when life ends. Blessed be God forever.

[@kristinehenry6920]

I work in the gift shop at the Blessed Stanley Rother ( pronounced Rowther, which is not what you would expect) Shrine. It opened February of this year. His feast day is next Friday, July 28th. It's the day he was murdered. I love working there. It is so peaceful. And there's a museum that talks about Blessed Stanley's life in Okarche, Oklahoma. Feel free to come by

[@ojay4151]

You are awesome!!! We love you too, father God bless you 🙏

[@madalinehannon9339]

That was exactly the soul snack I needed today! Thanks!

[@grantstephens8754]

Hey, I’m from that same nowhere Oklahoma! He is actually my conformation saint too. (Technically not a saint but it’s just a formality between him becoming one)

[@avelineb8239]

Father Mike.. you inspire to want to be a saint...thank you...

[@corywilliams8905]

I feel like lately I've been led astray in dark times by one who is confused or plainly has a different outlook. Ive been told to not be a martyr and to focus on myself. Putting yourself threw neglect for the greater good of others is wrong ect. Your message helped me refocus on what's truely valuable. God will use all I have done for his glory and I continue to work for him. Most see no monetary value or personal gain so why bother, and I don't have time to explain myself nor can under some circumstances. Well I do it for gods love. Thank you for you message and positive energy! My personal favorite quote " A mans true character is shown when you are behind closed doors. " for me, it helps me focus on giving pleasure to God even if it means negative appearance or approval, also to remain true to yourself.

[@saraabdallah5886]

Thank you Father, please keep me in your prayers!Regarding the rhyme, I built on what you said :) God can use every part of your story for his glory. No pain will be in vain for God knows what grows in the darkness of crevices. How He uses our misery remains a mystery but one day it will make sense, so don’t tense. Rest in Him who keeps His promises; whose love remedies all brokenness.

[@lonia.5283]

Thank you Father Mike. Greetings from Germany 🙏

[@feaokautai7354]

GREATGOOD NEWS Fr Mike!! Pray for us too. FOR ETERNITY WE JOURNEY WITH JOYFUL HEARTS IN CHRIST JESUS! AMEN TO ALL CATHOLICISM IN ROME VATICANO.

[@olFreddylo]

Love you more father! God bless!

[@sharonstotts8902]

Hi Father, a little correction on how to pronounce Father’s name.The O in Rother is a long O.. that’s a pet peeve to those of us from nowhere Oklahoma. 😉 But other than that a great talk! Father Rother was a sweet man and gentle soul. My mother went to school with him. It’s a blessing to hear firsthand stories about him. And when he would come home to visit, It would be a big big deal for the family and the congregation would get to hear his homily and stories about Guatemala. He touched many souls!

[@vmares09991981]

Love these videos! My daughter has Cerebral Palsy and Seizure disorder, with numerous disabilities. I am my daughter caregiver. She loves to go to Mass every Sunday. Please pray for us. Thank Father Mike Schmitz

[@theresemartin3075]

Victoria mares Praying for you and your daughter!🌹

[@vmares09991981]

Thank you so much@@theresemartin3075

[@johndavidjones7475]

Prayers for you and your daughter.

[@deelman9389]

Please keep these coming. Fighting hard here for my Lord. Your joy fuels my faith

[@juliahunsinger3070]

Love you in the "Jesus way" too Fr. Mike. You are cracking me up.

[@Goodnews499]

Thank you father Mike , I agree with every word you said in this video, cause I am choosing a very hard path and am sure as you said is nothing wasted on God,, I only need your prayers and all the good people prayers that I will not fail what I have chosen.. I need really a lot of prayers ..please pray for me

[@firechief6686]

Heavensville? You are awesome Father!

[@chrysatoumpa9448]

Father Mike, I don't even believe in God but I find your videos very educational and inspiring.

[@CristianaCatólica]

LOVE U FATHERD... GOD BLESS U

[@margaretcannizzaro2992]

"I love you in the Jesus way" 😎

[@holymoses5590]

Needed this today....thank you! Oh, and yes....subscribed (check), thumbs up (check), commented (just did...check). May we all grow closer to Christ Jesus day by day. Amen.

[@ceciliacortez9008]

LOVE YOU and love the way God is using You. What a blessing to be able to touch the lives if so many people. Keep doing what you're doing. Just so awesome! Thank you!

[@Maria-mr5yg]

Dear Fr Mike, I don't know if you'll see this but I pray you do. I work with children who have been abused by their parents. It's a very difficult job and sometimes I find myself questioning where God is. Please help me make sense of the pain that some children go through.

[@ujstmaidmyday6216]

Oh father mike, will never forget it, GOD WASTES NOTHING, mu story will be use for HIS Glory. Thanks, God Bless.

[@neysoriano4576]

Thank you for this video and your staff Father continue blessing us with the WORD of GOD. Godbless. May I be able to meet or attend one of your Mass someday!

[@norviliaetienne222]

Love you in the Jesus way too Fr!

[@liliameza9587]

Exactly what I needed.God is good.

[@phildelgiudice3448]

Thank you for this ministry Father Mike!!

[@dalilas1293]

Love how he was so proud of this rhyme!

[@kimberlypesotski47]

Excellent video! Thank you Father. May God bless you always 🕊

[@Neb-ie5mj]

His shrine was dedicated yesterday 2/17\23 in OKC.

[@ruciokas]

I really needed to hear this.. Saw your 4 videos already, can't stop watching it.. Thank you...Thanks to God :) He works mysterious ways through people like you.. God Bless you.. :)

[@susy8144]

Love you in the Jesus way too!!!! God bless you, Father Mike :) My heart really needed this today!

[@veronicalongcor8162]

Whether your story is great or small, Our God will use it all!

[@roseleneazevedo1737]

Father, you have an unique gift. Perhaps we are all unique in a sense, but the great thing here is that you are using your gift to the fullest. Warm gratitude and prayers from Brazil.

[@bellarue22]

Your videos are always inspiring as well as educational on many fronts. With regards to this one though I was extremely blessed to have been able to attend the beautification of Fr. Stanley Rother @ the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma on September 25th 2017. These events I’m told are usually held in Rome so I’m glad I was able to witness such a remarkable event Blessings to you & yours as well as love “in the Jesus way” 😎

[@shunmingdavidlin7915]

Love you too Father 😊

[@silvia.4442]

I love the phrase.

[@JD-sd3pq]

Thanks Fr. Mike, need to hear this so badly.

[@johnhealy4647]

Eternity! What a wonderful mystery to hope for!

[@laurabehera4905]

Lord Jesus ...thank you for Fr.Mike

[@GigglyOwl]

Thank you for this, Father Mike. You've always got a great way of explaining things.

[@wfm5121954]

I love you, too, Mike.

[@antzc]

I needed to hear this and am sharing it with others that might need it too.

[@yf777a]

Amen. Peace. Thank you. His Story so true, enters into our story, in history and now into our personal story connected, therefore to the Eternal Story. His joy & Strength carries us through the difficult overwhelming parts of our story, moment by painful moment, and the easier parts of our stories. The story of Grace astounds us; sharing His Covenant Love with one another, from the shore of time unto the shore of Eternity for sure.

[@coracamacho357]

I love it I had never heard of this priest.

[@dianedruck2007]

Fr. Mike, I love your quirkiness! It's mad good fun.

[@sethjohnson755]

Father Mike, I'm not Catholic, but I really enjoy your videos! I learn a lot, even though I don't agree with everything theologically. I love how joyful you are and your joy brings me joy! I love what you do, and I love you, in the Jesus way!

[@MichaelWilliams-nz8vh]

Thats right! Make the Choice to Rejoice! Phil 4:4-8

[@nenamarie17]

Okarche Oklahoma

[@FreedomandBaconHomestead]

I needed to hear this. Thank you, Father! God bless!

[@JuanKGM]

I love you in the Jesus way Fr. Mike!

[@josebarrigajr.5941]

Thanks Fr. Mike. This has been very helpful.

[@k.m.1993]

Love you too in Jesus, Father! And thank you for this video, I needed it so much.

[@ChelitadeDios]

Please talk about Monseñor Romero. I'm from El Salvador, and we are so excited and happy because of the canonization of our first Saint, ever!!!

[@briankelly85]

i love your sense of humor. laughter is the language of the soul.

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Love u to Fr 'in the Jesus way'! God Bless u and the Ascension team! :)

[@raymondross7410]

We love you Fr. Mike. Thank you for all you do for all of us. I am so thankful for you because you teach me so much about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Mary...and so many other things. I am trying so hard to learn more. And I know God brought you into my life. Your ministering to folks like me thousands of miles away, and probably folks like myself across the world. #AskFrMike - if I just pray and ask God for forgiveness am I forgiven? Or must I go to confession? Please pray for me...

[@teriquintana1457]

Thank you Father Mike. Great story and amazing message as ALWAYS! God bless you💜

[@pajimacas]

Wow, never clicked this fast before... Good morning from the Philippines... 😆

[@Chibiusa-P]

pajimacas Good morning and good evening from Europe! God bless you!

[@andreaarmstrong1829]

Thank you for sharing

[@idiaz2521]

Hi pajimacas good afternoon from Mexico !

[@pajimacas]

Mabuhay brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the world! 😍

[@ayeshat6868]

Fr Mike... your videos always bring me so much joy!

[@aricdelagrange5965]

Very good

[@etienne-victordepasquale668]

A1 :) Fr Mike, true instrument in God's Hands.

[@jeannemccloskey9416]

I would say that BL Stanley Francis Rother was from OKARCHE, OK - - -not nowheresville.... read the book ' The Shepherd Who Didn't Run' - - excellent story of his work as a missionary in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala.

[@kelliesheehan6485]

Love You! Mean it! Thank you for this, Fr Mike, I needed to hear it! God bless you and the work you do. Offering my Mass up tomorrow for you and all at Ascension Presents.

[@joking391]

So, umm. My story is a maze And you always amaze Me. Tho not amigos U kno me with giggles or a serious face. God has been using U, talent and amusing wit, virtues N wisdom. With a Jesus fistbump, U gimme God's grace. Pleez pray I surrender Mine senseless story That it may give glory to my ONLY Defender.

[@8475143117]

in order to be a soldier for Christ, one has to have COURAGE.....

[@onthebridgefilms6898]

Beautiful