Dear Friends,
There have been a few screenings of American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story, most recently at the Catholic Media Conference in June. It was a privilege to share Blessed Stanley Rother's extraordinary witness with so many dedicated communicators who serve the Church through your work in diocesan communications and Catholic media.
Our hope is simple: that this documentary will inspire people to live with the same courageous faith as Blessed Stanley Rother—a shepherd who remained with his people despite grave danger and ultimately gave his life for Christ. As the first American-born priest recognized as a martyr and beatified by the Church, his witness belongs not only to Oklahoma, but to the entire Church in the United States. During this 250th anniversary of our nation, his story offers a timely reminder of the enduring values of faith, sacrificial service, missionary discipleship, and religious freedom.
American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story will be released in theaters nationwide in English on Aug. 25–26, with a special Spanish-language release on Aug. 27. I would be grateful for your partnership in helping introduce Blessed Stanley to the faithful in your diocese. If possible, I encourage you to:
• Share the film through your diocesan newspaper, website, email newsletters, and social media channels.
• Invite your bishop to encourage the faithful to attend.
• Equip your parishes and schools with resources to spread the word.
• Encourage parishes, Catholic schools, seminarians, youth groups, Knights of Columbus councils, and other ministries to organize group outings to experience the film together.
Tickets are now available HERE.
To make participation as easy as possible, we have assembled a comprehensive resource page HERE featuring downloadable graphics, trailers, bulletin announcements, parish and diocesan email templates, social media assets, and a free companion discussion guide.
Thank you for the indispensable work you do in helping the Church communicate the Gospel each day. Together, we have an opportunity to introduce a new generation of Catholics to one of America's great modern witnesses to Christ. I pray that Blessed Stanley's example will inspire many to greater courage, fide
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley
Archbishop of Oklahoma City
Caption: This is the official poster from the documentary "American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story," which is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide Aug. 25-27, 2026. The documentary tells the story of Blessed Stanley Rother through those who knew him, parishioners, catechists and family members, as well as those currently involved in his cause for canonization. (OSV News photo/Archdiocese of Oklahoma City) Editors: best quality available; release dates updated
