Archdiocese to celebrate St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Family friendly honor dance powwow honors Catholic saint, native cultures

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Archbishop Coakley will celebrate the archdiocese’s first-ever Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Honor Dance on July 6 at Saint John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Yukon. 
 
“Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is the first American Indian saint in the Catholic Church. She brings to light the contributions that American Indians have brought to the Church,” said Deacon Roy Callison, coordinator of American Indian Catholic Outreach for the archdiocese. “We have a lot to be proud of and Saint Kateri exhibits it.”
 
The honor dance will begin with a Noon Mass in the church, celebrated by Archbishop Coakley. An afternoon and evening of powwow dancing contests in the parish activity center will follow. A first-class relic of Saint Kateri will be available for veneration from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Assumption Chapel.
 
“It is with great joy that we celebrate the life and witness of this truly American saint,” Archbishop Coakley said. “God has blessed the Catholic Church in Oklahoma with this opportunity to share our faith and diverse culture with the entire community. Saint Kateri’s call to conversion and missionary discipleship has been an inspiration to native cultures in North America and for many others over the past 300 years. We praise and thank God for raising up Saint Kateri’s example of holiness for us all.”
 
Eva Brittain, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, said she is excited to attend.
 
“I am grateful that the archdiocese is honoring her, the Lily of the Mohawks,” said Brittain, who is Chickasaw/Choctaw.
 
Saint Kateri was Algonquin from her mother’s side and Mohawk from her father’s side. Born in 1656 in Auriesville, N.Y., she lost her parents as a child when smallpox nearly obliterated her village. The disease left her with a scarred face and poor vision. Her uncle adopted her, and when he later tried to arrange her marriage, she refused.
 
Saint Kateri was drawn to the Jesuit priests who stayed in their village and wanted to learn more about Jesus from them. She converted to Catholicism at age 19 and took a vow of chastity. Her name, Kateri, is the Mohawk form of Catherine. She took her name from Saint Catherine of Siena.
 
Saint Kateri died on April 17, 1680, at age 24. She officially became a saint when Pope Benedict XVI canonized her on Oct. 21, 2012. She is the patron saint of Native Americans, ecology and the environment and people in exile. Her feast day is celebrated on July 14.
 
“As a member of the Comanche Tribe and a Catholic, it warms my heart knowing Saint Kateri is the first American Indian woman to be canonized by the Church, and she is a reminder that there are no limits of God’s love and grace,” said Jolene Schonchin, a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament in Lawton.
 
“Not only is she one of the few North American saints, but she also was a Native American woman who heard God’s voice and rose above opposition to dedicate herself to him. She represents our native people in a long line of saints from around the world. Celebrating her sainthood with a powwow will unite tribes to celebrate her life and remind everyone that God’s arms are always extended to all of us.” 
 
The honor dance will feature the presentation of the first American Indian Catholic Outreach Princess. American Indian craft vendors, Catholic bookstore vendors and food trucks will be on-site. The regular Saturday evening Mass at 5 p.m. will still be held at Saint John Nepomuk along with regular confession time 4 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. Overflow parking will be across the street at Yukon Middle School.  
 
“If you’ve never been to a powwow, I’m sure you’ll find it to be educational and a fun family event,” Deacon Callison said. 
 
Saint John Nepomuk Catholic Church and School is located at 600 Garth Brooks Blvd. in Yukon. For more information about the honor dance, visit archokc.org/honordance.
 
Archbishop Coakley invites everyone to join him in honoring Saint Kateri Tekakwitha on July 6.
 
Dana Attocknie is managing editor of the Sooner Catholic.

Photo: The stained glass image of St. Kateri Tekakwitha is from the St. Francis de Sales Chapel at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Photo Avery Holt.