Saturday, October 20, 2012

New American Saints

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has canonized 2 Americans:  Kateri Tekawitha and Mother Marianne Cope.

Kateri Tekawitha was a Native American who converted to Catholicism.  She was known as the "Lily of the Mohawks."  After her conversion, she faced many hardships including harsh treatment from her tribe.

At a young age she contracted small pox which left her extremely scarred and nearly blind.  She spent her life in prayer, penance and caring for the sick.

Nothing would stop her from doing these things, not even the harsh northern winters.  She died at age 24.  Her feast day is on July 14.  Tekawitha is now the first Native American saint in the Catholic Church.

Mother Marianne Cope was a pioneer in modern healthcare in the United States of America.  Mother Cope dedicated her life with caring for lepers in Molokai.  She founded many general hospitals and made cleanness and good healthcare a top priority.

Hospitals during this time were places where people went to die instead of to heal.  They were filthy and run by people who did not have the experience or knowledge to care for patients.  Prior to desegregation, Mother Cope welcomed patients of all races, faiths and genders.


These two woman are great examples for us all.  Kateri never renounced her faith despite rejection from her own tribe.  She was very devoted to the Holy Eucharist and presented that devotion by caring for others.  Mother Cope helped form the hospital system we see today.  Despite the contagious nature of leprosy, she ministered to lepers not caring if she herself might have gotten sick.

Let us imitate these great women saints.  May Saints Kateri Tekawitha and Marianne Cope pray for us all and for all the Native Americans and all people who are suffering from any sickness.







Prayers:

Lord God, You called the virgin Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, to shine among the American 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, forever and ever. Amen




Lord Jesus, you who gave us your commandment of love of God and neighbor, and identified yourself in a special way with the most needy of your people, hear our prayer. Faithful to your teaching, St. Marianne Cope loved and served her neighbor, especially the most desolate outcast, giving herself generously and heroically for those afflicted by leprosy. She alleviated their physical and spiritual sufferings, thus helping them to accept their afflictions with patience. Her care and concern for others manifested the great love you have for us. Through her merits and intercession, grant us the favor which we confidently ask of you so that the people of God, following the inspiration of her life and apostolate, may practice charity towards all according to your word and example. Amen.

Through the intercession of St. Marianne Cope, I ask for the grace of (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be



Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/21/pope-canonizes-american-saints_n_1996968.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/20/miracle-cure-propels-first-native-american-saint-kateri-tekakwitha-to-vatican_n_1993932.html?ref=topbar

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