From Dcn. Mejstrik to Maria, Rother’s cause continues

If the run to identify the miracle needed to solidify the cause for canonization of Blessed Stanley Rother shapes up as a long-distance relay – and it mostly is – then the handling of the baton would loom critical.

Fortunately, that handoff rests in more than capable hands, as the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City continues in stride in the cause for canonization of Blessed Stanley.

Deacon Norm Mejstrik, central to making the case for Rother to be considered for sainthood since 2007, is stepping away from that portion of what has become two major jobs within the archdiocese: director of the permanent diaconate AND director of the cause for canonization of Blessed Stanley Rother.

“Deacon Norm has had a passion for the cause of Blessed Stanley for years,” said Archbishop Paul Coakley. “I am grateful for his eagerness to embrace the cause and promoting knowledge of Blessed Stanley since long before beatification.  He has been a zealous champion and ambassador for the cause of Blessed Stanley!”

Deacon Mejstrik will continue in his role leading the permanent diaconate, a role he cherishes, aiding interested applicants in their discernment of a possible call to religious life, as well as working with those ordained into the ministry.

The Rother cause will continue, but with Deacon Mejstrik handing off those efforts in what seems like a natural passing of the baton – to Maria Scaperlanda, author of the Rother biography “The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma.”

“Deacon Norm has done a wonderful job advancing the cause for Blessed Stanley,” Scaperlanda said. “It is my honor to follow his steadfast example.”

“Maria is well-equipped to actively promote the cause of Blessed Stanley,” Archbishop Coakley said. “As his biographer it is hard to imagine anyone more familiar with his life and ministry.  She already travels extensively sharing her knowledge and love of our heroic Oklahoma missionary martyr.”

John Helsley is editor of the Sooner Catholic.

Photo: (Above) Bl. Stanley Rother/Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Graphic Avery Holt/Sooner Catholic.