Sunday 21 October 2012

St. Kateri Tekakwitha: Patroness of Canada

St. Kateri Tekakwitha! It has taken 332 years since her death (1680), but this extraordinary holy woman has finally been elevated to the altar. It is a refreshing canonization after a number of contemporary and highly organized (nay, even politically charged beatifications/canonizations) of an assortment of "holy old boys and girls" (e.g. Wojtila, Roncalli, Mother Theresa, Escriva et al). 

Today also saw the canonisation of the first Native American saint from North America. “Leading a simple life, Kateri remained faithful to her love for Jesus, to prayer, and to daily Mass. Her greatest wish was to know and to do what pleased God.” Speaking in French, Pope Benedict prayed, “Saint Kateri, Protrectress of Canada and first Native American saint, we entrust to you the renewal of faith in the First Nations and in all of North America! May God bless the First Nations!”

The full text may be read here


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