Weekly Meditation

In our liturgical life in the United States today is the Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin. She was born in present day Auriesville, N.Y. of a Christian Algonquin mother and a non-Christian Mohawk Turtle chief. She was baptized on Easter Sunday, 1676, taking the name of Kateri very probably in honor of St. Catherine of Siena.  Blessed Kateri was known for a loving devotion to the Holy Eucharist and, in imitation of Jesus, a genuine concern for others.  She died on April 17, 1680, as a young woman.

Blessed Kateri is the first Native American Indian to be beatified (1980) and is known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" and the "Apostle of the Indians."

Lord God, you called the virgin, blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, to shine among the Indian people as an example of innocence of life.  Through her intercession, may all peoples of every tribe, tongue, and nation, having been gathered into your Church, proclaim your greatness in one song of praise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
                     - Prayer for the Memorial of
                       Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Pray for the canonization of Blessed Kateri and imitate her devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist  and her love and concern for others. Jesus' challenge remains: "Love one another as I have loved you."