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February 9, 2023The history of the Catholic Church in Oklahoma is a fascinating and still unfolding story. It was an intrepid band of Benedictine missionary monks who arrived in 1875 and established the first permanent Catholic settlement in Indian Territory. This became Sacred Heart Mission, which later became Saint Gregory’s Abbey. Eventually, Bishop Theophile Meerschaert arrived in 1891 as Apostolic Vicar of the Indian Territory and later, in 1905, became the first Bishop of Oklahoma.
Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City when the Diocese of Oklahoma City and Tulsa (as it had been known since 1930) was divided to form the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa on Feb. 6, 1973.
For the past 50 years, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has continued to advance the mission that has been entrusted to all of us to “go make disciples.” An important tool that helps support this mission in the archdiocese is the Annual Catholic Appeal (launching this week), which helps fund the shared ministries that benefit every parish in central and western Oklahoma.
Among other benefits, the ACA funds enrichment programs for marriages and families, education for people of all ages, ministry to youth and young adults, campus ministry, vocations to the priesthood as well as care and ongoing formation for our priests.
This year, the theme of the Annual Catholic Appeal is “God Reveals Himself.” God reveals himself and his love for us through his Word and in the sacraments of the Church. He reveals himself in his providential care for us and in the events that make up the stories of our lives.
He reveals himself in those who serve and care for others, especially the least among us. Our gift to the ACA is a way in which we can participate in the ongoing mission of making God known, loved and served by more and more people in Oklahoma and beyond.
In the week ahead, we will open another chapter in the story of the Church in Oklahoma and our archdiocese. From Feb. 12-19, we will host a variety of events as we dedicate the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine on its 53-acre campus.
The shrine will serve as a parish home for many, especially from our growing Hispanic community, but also as a place of pilgrimage for everyone, and a gathering place for large archdiocesan events.
The centerpiece of the shrine campus is, of course, the beautiful 2,000-seat Spanish colonial style church that will enclose the chapel where Blessed Stanley will be entombed. It will be the largest Catholic Church in Oklahoma and a place for public worship, but also an intimate place for prayer.
The museum and pilgrim center, also located on the campus, will introduce visitors and pilgrims to the life and significance of Oklahoma’s own missionary martyr, the first U.S.-born priest and martyr ever beatified by the Catholic Church.
The spacious grounds of the campus include a replica of Tepeyac Hill where Mary appeared to the indigenous peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531 and launched the evangelization of the American continent.
The shrine campus is intended to glorify God and be a reminder that all of us are called to holiness by sharing in the work of evangelization inspired by the witness and aided by the prayers of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Juan Diego, Blessed Stanley Rother and all the saints.
The story of the Catholic Church in Oklahoma is still unfolding. Blessed Stanley Rother is an important figure in that narrative, but each of us are called to do our part to support the mission of the Church and go and make disciples.
