Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was not a Carmelite but I consider her as one of my friends in heaven. I came to know her in the 1980's and fell in love with her story. When considering a religious name, I submitted "Sister Kateri of Mary", along with "Isabel" for Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, but was denied. Since then I have developed a spiritual friendship and affection for her. Kateri, I think of you today as we prepare to celebrate your feast day. I always admire your courage as you remained faithful to the practice of your new found Faith. Your love of Jesus, prompted you to consecrate yourself to Him despite the oppositions of your people and your culture. This cost you dearly. The ridicule and the hostility aimed at you only made you stronger and more determined to receive the gift of holy baptism. Your charity to others brought light to those around you. Despite being young in age, you were spiritually mature and understood well the value of sufferings and the folly of the Cross. You are a pure lily, the "lily of the Mohawks," who perfumed the pagan world of unbelief and ignorance by your innocence and purity. I think of you because your example draws me. You are my friend and I am glad that among the many Saints of God, I found you.
Prayer to the Lily of the Mohawks:
"Blessed Kateri,
you are revered as the mystic of the American wilderness.
Though orphaned at the age of four, and left with
a scarred face, and damaged eyesight from illness,
you were esteemed among the Mohawks tribe,
When you asked to be baptized as a Christian,
you subjected yourself to abuse by your people and were
forced to run away.
You endured many trials but still flowered in prayer and holiness,
dedicating yourself totally to Christ.
I ask you to be my spiritual guide along my journey through life.
Through your intercession, I pray that I may always be loyal to
my faith in all things."
AMEN
(copied from a holy card)
I identify with your reference to a saint as a friend, and with your feelings of happiness at having found this friend. I also feel that way about a certain saint: the reality of the friendship between a heavenly citizen and an earthly sinner. This is possible; and not delusional or sentimental (although in some cases with some people it might be).
ReplyDeleteI also identify with the bridging of cultures and races--assuming that you are not Native American. It is interesting how comfortable we can feel with someone from a different time and place; how we can feel a twinship with their personality, with how they coped with adversity and how they developed their spiritual life.