Archbishop Robert L. Wise recently completed The Making of a Martyr, his 36th published book. The story of Father Stanley Rother takes the reader into the death of the first martyr in the history of the American Roman Catholic Church. A missionary priest, Blessed Stanley Rother was shot in Guatelmala in 1981 because the government feared his influence with his people. He refused to leave the country because he was a shepherd who wouldn’t run. Christians from a variety of backgrounds will find his story compelling and inspiring. A very ordinary man, Blessed Stanley Rother maintained his faith to the end.

At the dedication of the Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City on Friday, February 17, 2023, Archbishop Wise was honored to be invited as an ecumenical observer and joined guest from around the world The dedication and consecration was an extremely beautiful and moving service that was awe inspiring.

Archbishop Wise would encourage anyone passing through Oklahoma City to visit the shrine and learn more about this first Catholic priest from America who was a Martyr.