Since the Holy Father’s announcement that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will be raised to the honors of the altar on October 21, 2012, the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions has been preparing for the celebration of this momentous event in the life of the Church and of Native American Catholics.

The Bureau is coordinating an official pilgrimage to Rome for the canonization. Through the Renaissance Group, the Bureau is offering both a seven-day and an 11-day tour package to Italy. The highlight, of course, will be the canonization ceremonies in St. Peter’s Square, but the package also includes a reception, a Mass of Thanksgiving, visits to Assisi and other events, along with daily Mass. Please see the enclosed brochure (Page 1 and Page 2) for additional information about the tour packages. Information about the tour has been posted on the Web site of the Black and Indian Mission office (www.blackandindianmission.org); additionally, mailings to various groups and individuals who support the work of the Mission are being undertaken.

The Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions is responsible for distributing the tickets to the canonization ceremony itself. Additional information about the ticketing process will be forthcoming in the very near future. 

Blessed Kateri’s canonization is one of the first events of the Year of Faith and comes at the conclusion of the Synod of Bishops for the New Evangelization. Its timing should inspire us to intensify our efforts of evangelization and reconciliation among Native Americans. The gifts that our Native American brothers and sisters bring to the Church are well reflected in the life and witness of Blessed Kateri. The young Mohawk maiden’s deep and mystical love for Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist, her selflessness despite suffering and persecution, and her perseverance in the faith all commend her to us as a model for our own spiritual growth.