The Shepherd Who Didn't Run. Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda

The Shepherd Who Didn't Run

as it is edifying. Please do not miss out on this incredible piece of work!”

Marge Fenelon, journalist, speaker, and author of Imitating Mary and Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena

“In taking pen to paper to tell Father Rother’s story of sacrificial love, María Ruiz Scaperlanda has achieved something remarkable for God and his people. For in learning of one priest’s loyalty toward the ‘anawim’ in Guatemala, a world away from the Oklahoma farm of his roots, we cannot help but find our hearts expanded and lurching more fervently toward the Lord of love. Read The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run with caution, however, for transformation is guaranteed.”

Roxane B. Salonen, the collaborative writer for Ramona Treviño’s story, Redeemed by Grace: A Catholic Woman’s Journey to Planned Parenthood and Back

“What words can I use to describe The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run? Strong, moving, faith-filled, haunting, and so full of the power of God are but a few. María Ruiz Scaperlanda paints a poignant portrait of a man who truly gave it all to God.

“This story of a martyred priest reads quickly and powerfully, as we learn about his early roots and family life, his struggles in the seminary, and ultimately how he ended up in a remote corner of Guatemala, caring deeply for his people. Father Rother’s formation as a shepherd unfolds with the turn of each page, drawing us more deeply into his unique mission and ministry.

“This volume is a treasure and should be read by many; I can see it used in both parish book clubs, as well as in catechesis for teens and adults.”

Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, Catholic blogger, writer, and social media consultant

The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run

Father Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma

María Ruiz Scaperlanda

Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division

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Huntington, IN 46750

Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition copyright © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C., and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. The quotation from 1 Peter 5:2 (page 21) is from the New American Bible, copyright © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

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All rights reserved. With the exception of short excerpts for critical reviews, no part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without permission from the publisher. For more information, visit: www.osv.com/permissions.

Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 200 Noll Plaza,

Huntington, IN 46750; 1-800-348-2440.

ISBN: 978-1-68192-456-4 (Inventory No. T2343)

eISBN: 978-1-68192-457-1

LCCN: 2019931258

Cover design: Amanda Falk

Spine art and map of Guatemala: Shutterstock

Interior design: Dianne Nelson

Interior photos: See credits in photo section

Printed in the United States of America

To the many faithful priests, nuns, brothers, and sisters who have — and continue to — mold and enrich my life. You are Light!

María Ruiz Scaperlanda