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June 26, 2025The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine received a recent grant from the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma to launch a new traveling exhibit entitled “Journey of Faith and Culture,” designed to educate junior high students about the life and legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother and the Tz’utujil culture.
The interactive exhibit will have a full curriculum designed by Lisa McLaughlin, a retired assistant superintendent of Western Heights with more than 35 years experience in education.
“I am excited to be a part of helping students see a real-life example of someone who made a significant impact, motivating them to pursue their own paths of service and faith,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin is currently a volunteer at the shrine.
One feature of the travelling exhibition is the exploration of the Tz’utujil garments, which are all hand woven. Students will be able to touch, see and examine the intricate details of the outfits donated by Roger and Vicky Berger of Arizona.
“The exhibit also highlights how faith can be a driving force for positive change which can lead to meaningful and impactful actions,” said Deacon Rob Blakely, director of pilgrimage at the shrine. “This encourages students to think about how they can use their faith to have influence in their own communities.”
The "Journey of Faith and Culture" exhibition will travel to various schools across the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City from February 2026 through 2028.
For more information about the exhibition or to schedule it at a school, contact Blakely at (405) 438-0315.
Photo: (L to R) Steve Winkler, board president for Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, Christi Jeffreys, director of development for the Bl. Stanley Rother Shrine and Dcn. Rob Blakely, director of pilgrimage at the shrine accepted the parish life grant award. More than $723,000 in funds were distributed during the annual awards luncheon on June 6. Photo provided.