Shrine Spotlights: Heart of Service

From the informal welcoming of newcomers to the meticulous preparation for special events, volunteers are the lifeblood of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. This edition of Shrine Spotlights shines a light on the vibrant world of service within the shrine, guided by the compassionate leadership of Cynthia Aranda, the Director of Volunteers. With a background that weaves through the shrine's very fabric, Aranda’s journey and vision are central to its community heartbeat.

“I've been blessed to be with the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine from day one,” she says, recalling the outset of a journey that began with a pivotal role as executive assistant, leading seamlessly to her current position. As Aranda delves into her daily routine, it becomes evident that each day is a blend of planning, presence, and participation. "I get here around 7:30," she begins, "to tackle emails... make sure that we have enough coverage for every department and… I'm here ready for anything."

The dedication of the volunteers resonates with Aranda's approach, as she expresses a desire for everyone to feel not just welcomed but truly at home. “When they come to the shrine to be volunteers at the front desk... the main thing that I would like for them is just to make everybody feel welcome.”

Indeed, the scope of volunteer opportunities at the shrine is broad, ranging from visible roles like ushering and assisting with pilgrimages to more behind-the-scenes tasks. Aranda enthusiastically notes, "I'm very, very blessed to have them here," acknowledging the volunteers' commitment that exceeds far beyond the expected.

It's not just the physical contributions that stand out to Aranda, but also the spiritual enrichment that volunteers experience. "They feel absolutely blessed to be here," she remarks. Whether it's fielding a transformative phone call or participating in her project ‘the traveling Blessed Stanley Rother’, volunteers find themselves at the heart of life-changing encounters. "This makes such a big difference in my family. Now my family is praying together," a volunteer conveyed to her regarding their time with the icon of Blessed Stanley.

For those interested in joining the ranks of these dedicated individuals, the process is streamlined and supportive, as Aranda details how to get started on our website and through personal guidance. Her approach to volunteer engagement is broad and inclusive, stressing the importance of every language and skill set. "You don't have to speak English to be here," she assures, highlighting the diversity of our volunteer community. Visitors to the Shrine come from around the globe, so volunteers who speak any language are invited to serve.

Aranda’s connection with the shrine extends beyond her day-to-day role; it touches her personal faith journey. She reminisces about discovering her ties to Blessed Stanley's mission, comparing life events and dates like pieces of a divine puzzle snapping into place.

"I come from a country where we had a lot of civil unrest. In Panama, I lived through that conflict and then Blessed Stanley was in Guatemala where they had a civil war, so I can relate to that. And I grew up on a farm. I come from a large family. I just keep finding these connections to him. And he went to Guatemala in 1968, and I was born in 1968."

As the interview draws to a close, Aranda's message is clear and universal: “Everybody is called to be a saint, so just come let the Holy Spirit work in your life."

To learn more about volunteering at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, visit rothershrine.org/volunteer and follow the call to service—a journey that uplifts both the individual and the wider community, embracing the shrine’s enduring spirit of generosity and faith.