Post by Moon Seeker on Jul 12, 2009 13:51:14 GMT -5
Mass honors proposed Native American saint
By Raymond Legendre
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.
DULAC — Amid the steady beats of a drum circle, young dancers with colorful headdresses and prayers to the directional winds, a congregation of nearly 500 people honored the life of the first proposed Native American saint during a special mass held inside a Grand Caillou Road church Friday night.
The 15th annual Native American Liturgical Celebration of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as the Indian Mass, also featured a short biography of the Mohawk woman who dedicated her life to spreading the gospel, and who is now one confirmed miracle from becoming a saint.
Clergy and other mass attendees said the religious service held great importance because it gave them an opportunity to embrace their Catholic faith while also honoring their Native American heritage. The mass was held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Grand Caillou Road.
Retired priest Roch Naquin, who pastored at Holy Family from 1988 to 1997, said remembering Kateri, who died at age 24, was essential because she represented the faith and hope that are central in Native American culture.
For more information, read Saturday's Daily Comet or The Courier or online at www.dailycomet.com or www.houmatoday.com.
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.
www.dailycomet.com/article/20090710/HURBLOG/907109884/1223?Title=Mass-honors-proposed-Native-American-saint
By Raymond Legendre
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.
DULAC — Amid the steady beats of a drum circle, young dancers with colorful headdresses and prayers to the directional winds, a congregation of nearly 500 people honored the life of the first proposed Native American saint during a special mass held inside a Grand Caillou Road church Friday night.
The 15th annual Native American Liturgical Celebration of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as the Indian Mass, also featured a short biography of the Mohawk woman who dedicated her life to spreading the gospel, and who is now one confirmed miracle from becoming a saint.
Clergy and other mass attendees said the religious service held great importance because it gave them an opportunity to embrace their Catholic faith while also honoring their Native American heritage. The mass was held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Grand Caillou Road.
Retired priest Roch Naquin, who pastored at Holy Family from 1988 to 1997, said remembering Kateri, who died at age 24, was essential because she represented the faith and hope that are central in Native American culture.
For more information, read Saturday's Daily Comet or The Courier or online at www.dailycomet.com or www.houmatoday.com.
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.
www.dailycomet.com/article/20090710/HURBLOG/907109884/1223?Title=Mass-honors-proposed-Native-American-saint