“The dignity of human life must never be undermined even in the case of someone who has done great evil. The death penalty does little to heal the wounds of grief and loss, and only perpetuates the violence we are seeking to eradicate. Oklahoma’s leaders must begin a conversation about how capital punishment aligns with our pro-life values. Please pray for the innocent victims of this crime and for the soul of the condemned.”

December 3, 2021 “To execute a man, even a guilty one, who is 79 years old is unnecessary and unreasonable. This rush to execute is bewildering. The death penalty is flawed, expensive and no longer needed to exact punishment in Oklahoma. Please pray for the Reaves and Ivens families, and for the family of Bigler Stouffer.”

November 30, 2021 “The Catholic Church recognizes the grave harm done to victims of crime and their families, and the need for healing and justice. It also understands that executions only perpetuate cycles of violence and often provide no measure of true healing. The burdens of trauma and violence weigh heavy in our country and world these days; this is our opportunity to reject a culture of death and build up a culture of life. Please pray for the leaders of our state that they recognize the flaws of execution. Pray for the families and friends of Brenda McElyea and Felecia Suzette Smith, innocent victims of a senseless crime, and for the redemption of Donald Grant and comfort for his family.”

December 1, 2021 “Please pray for an end to the death penalty. Pray for the respect of all human life from conception until natural end. Pray for wisdom and compassion for our leaders that they recognize the value of every human person – the indigent, the unborn, the refugee, the ill, the imprisoned. Pray for victims of violence and their families that God brings them comfort and peace. Pray for the convicted that they seek redemption and a life in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

November 8, 2021 “It took tremendous courage in the face of intense pressure for Gov. Stitt to grant clemency in this case. I applaud his commitment to seeking justice while providing the condemned an opportunity for redemption. To oppose the death penalty is not to be soft on crime. Rather, it is to be strong on the dignity of life.”

Sept. 13, 2021 “We are encouraged by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation today for commutation of the death sentence for Julius Jones. We have an opportunity to end capital punishment in Oklahoma and to use other means to protect society and seek justice for victims of crime and their families without violating each person’s God-given dignity. We urge Gov. Stitt to accept the board’s recommendation.”

Todos que aquellos que manejan por el sur del I-35 en Oklahoma City estos días, sin duda que pueden ver la construcción de una enorme iglesia justo junto a la calle 89. Es el futuro Santuario al Beato Stanley Rother, que rápidamente comienza a tomar forma. 

Those who travel I-35 on the south side of Oklahoma City these days likely will catch a glimpse of the large church under construction as they pass 89th street. It is the site of the future Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, which is rapidly taking shape.