Blessed Kateri is the first Native American person to ever become "Blessed" - the final step before becoming a Saint in the Catholic Church. She shows all of us to rise over out difficulties be they physical or social. Firstly, when Kateri was only 5 years old, her parents and brother were taking from her by an epidemic of small pox which also left her disfigured in her face. She had to live with an uncles who housed 3 Jesuit Blackrobes. She learned much from them. She became devoted to God. At age 19, she refused marriage with a Mohawk man because he had made a vow or perpetual virginity to God. This was unprecedented in the Mohawk nation because a woman's future depended on getting married. At age 19, she was baptized into the Catholic Church and given the Christian name of "Kateri" (Catherine). Here is what she said at that time which gives us a deep insight into her character:
"I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love. The state of helpless poverty that may befall me if I do not marry does not frighten me. All I need is a little food and a few pieces of clothing. With the work of my hands I shall always earn what is necessary and what is left over I'll give to my relatives and to the poor. If I should become sick and unable to work, then I shall be like the Lord on the cross. He will have mercy on me and help me, I am sure."
What did she overcome socially? Her tribe gave her no food on Sundays because she would not work on Sundays. Her family disowned her for becoming Catholic. She was persecuted. But she did go from tribe to tribe to establish a church there much life St. Paul did in his day. So, she had physical and social crosses to bear; and she did so cheerfully. When she died in April 17, 1680, all the pock marks and lines on her face disappeared. Her face changed color and looked as smooth as that of a baby. She had a touch of a smile on her face as well. This miracle was attested to by those who say her immediately after death. She died at the young age of 24, Virgin. She had tried to start a relgious order of sisters; but was counseled by her confessor to live an "ordinary life." What is so interesting about that counsel is, that St. Catherine of Sienna for whom she was named, lived a nun's life as a lay person by herself in her parent's home. From that home, St. Catherine changed the world. I saw her tomb in Rome with my daughter, Cathrin, who loved that shrine to St. Catherine. My sister's name is Catherine and my grandmom is Katerina.
To sum up her life, her mom [was a Christian Algonquin but her dad was not a Christian] was married to a chief of the Mohawks - the boldest and fiercest of all the 5 Nations. Her mom gave birth to her at Auriesville, New York in 1656. This is very close to where two Jesuit martyrs were tortured to death 23 years earlier by the Huron and Iroquois nations. The life of these two martyrs - Fr. Isaac Jogues and Fr. John de Brebeauf - are facinating. Eleven Jesuit Martyrs in all were killed by the Iraqois and Mohawk nations. These men were canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI. All these Saints and have one feast day celebrating their matyrdom together. So, it was into this blood-stained territory that little Kateri was born. The Blackrobes were still hated by the native indians. But the saying is true: "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity". Kateri was the first fruit of their life blood shed for Christ.
Blessed Kateri, pray for us.
Love, Pio
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