Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

What a beautiful memorial we celebrate today. This memorial is for the United States since we honor one of our own. Kateri was born in 1656 near the town of Auriesville, New York and she was the daughter of a Mohawk warrior. She devoted her life to prayer, penitential practices, and the care of the sick and aged. Because of her faith she incurred the hostility of her tribe, but she was devoted to the Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified. She is called the "Lily of the Mohawks." She died in 1680 and was beatified June 22, 1980. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is the first native American to be declared "Blessed" (Magnificat, 182). The opening prayer for Mass recalls her example of innocence of life. We pray that through her intercession that all peoples of every tribe, tongue, and nation will proclaim the greatness of God in one song of praise. We also pray that God will raise Blessed Kateri to the altars of sainthood. May Blessed Kateri intercede for us and may her prayers help us in our journey of faith, our journey to the kingdom. Have a blessed day!!!