Blessed Father Stanley Rother

SOLOLÁ, Guatemala (CNA) — There’s a black and white photo that holds a special meaning for those familiar with Blessed Stanley Rother — the farm-raised Oklahoma priest who gave his life for the faith 38 years ago while serving the poor in Central America.

The picture shows the tall, bearded priest standing on the steps of his mission church in Guatemala, holding the hand of an indigenous girl, probably four or five years old, who is gazing up at him.

“There’s actually a statue that was made based upon that photograph,” Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City told CNA.

“No one really knew who that young girl was, but in recent months she has been identified and we had a chance to meet her [on Sunday].”

Archbishop Coakley led a group of 53 pilgrims, most from his diocese, on a trip to Guatemala to celebrate Fr. Rother’s July 28 feast day in the parish where he served.

“She was there with her mother,” Archbishop Coakley continued. “This woman is now in her 40s, her mother must be in her 60s or 70s, but we had a chance to meet her, greet her, and that was a beautiful moment because I’m very familiar with the photograph and the image.”

This statue is handmade. The images differ in color and shape, making every statue Unique. 

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