Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego celebrated the Mass at the parish’s Beaumont church. The Mass began with smudging and the blessing of the newly installed statue of St. Kateri in the sanctuary.
“It was beautiful, I could feel myself tearing up throughout,” parishioner Patricia Jeter said. “We went to her shrine long ago. This is very special to us.”
Bishop del Riego, who represented Bishop Barnes and the Diocese in Rome for the canonization of Kateri and six other saints, shared his experience in Rome during the homily.
“She was someone who was a witness of prayer from the start,” Bishop del Riego said. “We pray that she will remain a great intercessor for this community and for the Native American community.”
Relaying themes and opinions expressed during the Mass of Thanksgiving for St. Kateri in Rome, Bishop del Riego regarded her as a model for witnesses of the faith.
“Kateri is not only a sign of faith for the Native American community,” Bishop del Riego said. “She is a saint for the Church, a saint for all of us.”
John Jeter, a participant in the Mass, believes that St. Kateri’s story can bring the greater community together, even those outside of the Catholic Church.
“She is a good example for all Christians,” John Jeter said.
Native American influences were infused into the morning liturgy, including a performance of bird songs after the celebration of the Eucharist.
“The music was beautiful, especially the bird singing,” said Maria Stevens, a parish visitor from the Santa Rosa Indian Reservation.
Parishioners that attended the canonization ceremony in Rome on Oct. 21 were reminded of the experience during the Mass and reception.
“It was such a blessing to be able to go, a real privilege,” said Rosario Castro, a parishioner who attended the canonization. “It was like attending a big retreat and being healed of all feelings of doubt and troubles.”
“It was an honor to attend the canonization of Kateri and also of the Filipino saint, St. Pedro Calungsod,” said Lily Limcaco, a parishioner of St. Kateri and one of 32 canonization pilgrims from the parish. “This was a once in a lifetime experience.”
The festivities continued after the Mass, with a blessing of a newly constructed children’s memorial on the parish grounds and a reception in the parish’s social hall.