Canonization of Blessed Kateri is Imminent!

Pope Benedict XVI has authorized a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks,” born at Auriesville in the 17th century. It is expected that plans for her canonization will soon follow. Announcement of the papal action was distributed on December19, 2011 by Catholic News Service and by News.Va website: The Vatican Today. The nature of the miracle is the cure of a young boy, Jake Finkbonner, from a flesh eating bacteria on his face. This mirrors Kateri’s facial scarring from small pox. Young Jake is of Native American ancestry – the Lummi tribe of the Pacific Northwest. Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Albany Diocese, where the Auriesville Shrine is located, issued a statement saying he is “thrilled” to learn of the miracle, and that he looks forward “to the canonization of this holy and loving disciple of Jesus which, hopefully, will take place during 2012.” The staff of the Shrine offers praise and thanksgiving to God for this long awaited news. For years, the intention of the weekly Kateri Masses, the prayers of Kateri League members, pilgrims and staff have been for her canonization. Museum docents and gift shop personnel hear weekly testimonies by pilgrims of answered prayers and healings through Blessed Kateri’s intercession. Veneration of her relics in the Coliseum and Kateri Chapel is a treasured part of pilgrimages to the shrine. The holy ground of Auriesville bears silent witness to the first years of her life - her first breath, footsteps and spoken words. It holds the trauma of the loss of her family to smallpox, and her own frail health and poor vision resulting from the disease. And it emanates the hope and peace of a life consecrated to Jesus Christ. By her heroic virtue, powerful witness to the Catholic faith among her people, and her life of sexual purity, Blessed Kateri is a much needed role model and inspiration today. We are blessed to share her story on the very ground where it began. The staff is planning an on-going celebration in 2012 with new Kateri exhibits in the museum, enhanced July 14 Feast Day commemoration, Tekakwitha Conference Pilgrimage to the shrine on July 21, additional activities during the annual Mohawk Pilgrimage and Mass on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, Kateri- related mini retreat topics, intercessory prayers at Masses, and gift shop items. Events surrounding the canonization day are to be determined. Join the Shrine staff in joyous thanksgiving to God for the gift of the life and witness of Blessed Kateri. We will soon raise our voices in prayer to “Saint” Kateri Tekakwitha! The Shrine has received multiple exclamations of, “Great News,” “Alleluia,” and “Praise God.” Along with . . . “I’m thrilled. What better Christmas present than this, something we’ve worked on for so long.” ~ Msgr Paul Lenz, Vice Postulator for Kateri’s Cause since 2005 I am thrilled to learn about the authentication of the miracle attributed to Kateri’s intercession. . . I look forward to the canonization of this holy and loving disciple of Jesus which, hopefully, will take place during 2012. ~ Bishop Howard Hubbard, Albany Diocese Much light and love to you people who keep her memorial going and may God Bless you all. ~ P.H. What a day for singing and rejoicing praise and glory to God !!! ~ C. H. Kateri has been working for hundreds of years helping people through her precious spirit. ~ L. C. Praise God for His abundant Mercy at this time in our country to give Kateri to us as our saint!! ~ S. M.