Excitement in Fonda, New York
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Conventual Franciscan Friar Mark Steed is the director of the Shrine of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda, New York. He and the Fonda community were excited by the news that Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Kateri some time in the near future.
Kateri Tekakwitha lived in the 17th century in what is today Upstate New York and Quebec. A Mohawk by birth she converted to Christianity and suffered greatly. The shrine in Fonda honors Kateri. It attracts pilgrims who are in search for a quiet, natural place to reflect and pray.
Over the last year, Friar Mark has been leading an effort to revitalize the Shrine of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. Thus far he and the local community have amongst other things cleaned the Candle Chapel, painted the gift shop, and decorated the altar. Other renovations are in the works.
(Source of image with article: www.katerishrine.com.)