Kateri Tekakwitha: Known as the ‘Lily of the Mohawks,’ this new saint has dominated headlines here in the United States because she is the first Native American saint. Her life was hardly an easy one: partly blinded by smallpox, she was kicked out of her tribe when she became a Christian at the age of 20—four years later, she died, according to short bio on CBS News.
“Kateri impresses us by the action of grace in her life in spite of the absence of external help and by the courage of her vocation, so unusual in her culture,” Benedict said. “In her, faith and culture enrich each other! May her example help us to live where we are—loving Jesus without denying who we are.” As one Native American who journeyed to the Vatican for the event put it: “She crossed borders and her sainthood crossed borders too.” (It’s worth noting that the man is the father of a boy whose miraculous healing from a flesh-eating bacteria was attributed to her intercession.)
Marianne Cope: A nun who was born in Germany but raised in New York, she demonstrated heroic virtue in moving to Hawaii to care for lepers. “At a time when little could be done for those suffering from this terrible disease, Marianne Cope showed the highest love, courage and enthusiasm. She is a shining and energetic example of the best of the tradition of Catholic nursing sisters and of the spirit of her beloved Saint Francis,” Benedict said.
What a cause for hope and joy are these seven new saints. May their stories deepen our faith and commitment to God as we get to know these newest members of our heavenly family.
