Immaculate Conception Church

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha – July 14 – By Grace Porter
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There is a little hollowed out space between a cluster of evergreen trees behind the pond of my childhood home adorned with clumsily constructed crosses. It was my secret place where I spent time with the Lord.
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I discovered Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha in second grade. Within moments I knew I wanted her as my Confirmation saint – I was devastated when I realized she wasn’t canonized.
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My parents instructed me to ask God to make her a saint before my confirmation.
So, I did.
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Waiting for that prayer to be answered drew me even closer to Kateri, I emulated her example – going out into the “wilderness” to pray.
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As I read more about her life, I realized that those early stories didn’t do her justice.
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Kateri was passionate and fierce. In the face of every abuse she suffered she remained steadfast in her desire for Jesus. She fought to love our Lord.
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That perseverance in Faith inspired me to pray even more fervently and on October 21, 2012, I sat in my living room and watched as Pope Benedict XVI canonized St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, one year before my confirmation.
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Since then, she has walked with me through every adversity. St. Kateri inspires me to endure, to cleave myself to the Cross, and give myself totally to our Lord and trust in his providence.
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Although I can’t be sure, I like to imagine that if I were to go back to my secret place, I would still find the small wooden crosses made from sticks and pond reeds. Proof that the prayers of a little girl were heard by her Father.
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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us!
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*Grace Porter serves as an administrative assistant in the Department of Communication and Evangelization at the Diocese of Lansing.

As Deacon Peter Randolph approaches ordination, he carries both joy and grief after the loss of his 18-year-old brother, Xavier. Inspired by Xavier’s faith and love for others, he hopes his priesthood helps people know they are seen, known, and loved by God.