WATCH: An inspiring glimpse into the life of Father Stanley Rother, first U.S.-born martyr

I preached about him in my homily on Holy Thursday: 

Last December, 35 years after Father Stanley Rother’s murder, Pope Francis declared him officially a martyr of the faith—the first martyr born in the United States. In September, he will be beatified.

Tonight, I suggest, attention must be paid.

Here was a man who washed the feet of others. We need to remember great priests like Father Stanley Rother—ordinary figures of extraordinary commitment and generosity and faith. There are so many others who go unrecognized. I don’t want this night to pass without acknowledging the gift of the priesthood—and the tremendous gift of priests. Men who walk with us, struggle with us, sacrifice for us, live with us, listen to us.

Men who bring Christ to us…

Take a look at the trailer above, previewing a documentary on Fr. Stanley Rother’s life and legacy.  The trailer was shown at the USCCB’s recent meeting, and was shown today at the Catholic Media Conference in Quebec. Want to know more? Check out “The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run” by Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda.  Or visit the website devoted to his life.

This guy was the real deal.