Lily of the Mohawks: Enduring Faith Against All Obstacles – Jul 14 – Homily – Fr Michael

 

Fr. Michael M. Gauvreau, FI, gives the homily on how St. Kateri Tekakwitha, despite suffering disfigurement, vision loss, and persecution, lived a life of profound virtue and unwavering faith, serving as an inspiring example for all Christians to pursue sanctity in every state of life.

Gauvreau, FI delivers a homily on St. Kateri Tekakwitha, born in 1656 in Auriesville, New York. Orphaned at four by smallpox, she contracted the disease, which disfigured her face and caused vision loss, earning her the name Tekakwitha, 'she who stumbles.' Despite physical challenges, she possessed a profound spiritual vision. Encountering Jesuits at age ten, she was deeply moved by their kindness. At twenty, she was baptized, facing immediate persecution from her family and community for her desire to consecrate herself to God rather than marry. Mocked and physically assaulted, she eventually moved to a Christian community in Canada. There, St. Kateri continued to exemplify virtue, working diligently despite her impaired vision and maintaining a cheerful countenance rooted in her love for God. Pope John Paul II, upon her beatification in 1980, called her the 'Lily of the Mohawks,' emphasizing that her life demonstrates how sanctity is not reserved for a select few but is attainable by everyone, in every state of life. She serves as a powerful reminder not to take our faith for granted, but to embrace God's graces and persevere through obstacles, becoming a light in the darkness and guiding others towards our heavenly reward through her unwavering example.

Pope John Paul II – Consecrated persons witness Christ through martyrdom across history – https://airmaria.com/go/TiVjH3
Pope Francis 2023 – Therese views humanity through evocative biblical imagery – https://airmaria.com/go/hbEezr
Pope Benedict XVI 2013 – Societal pressures challenge daily Christian faithfulness and prayer – https://airmaria.com/go/DPFham
Matthew 5:13 – Be salt of earth, light of world – https://airmaria.com/go/XcGyQ8
1 Corinthians 7:32 – Undivided devotion to the Lord in virginity – https://airmaria.com/go/jSLFg3
Hebrews 12:1 – Persevere in faith, fixing eyes on Jesus – https://airmaria.com/go/uW4D82
CCC 1618 – Virginity for the Kingdom of heaven honored – https://airmaria.com/go/P6gJMU
CCC 2013 – Universal call to holiness for all Christians – https://airmaria.com/go/D2tQKm

00:00 - Introduction to St. Kateri Tekakwitha
00:16 - Early Life and Challenges
01:42 - Encountering the Faith and Baptism
02:27 - Persecution and Relocation
03:32 - A Life of Virtue and Example
04:12 - Pope John Paul II's Homily: An Example for All
05:05 - St. Kateri: A Light and Salt of the Earth
06:03 - Call to Follow Her Example

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Kateri Tekakwitha - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=154
Readings: Tuesday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071426.cfm
1st: Isaiah 7:1-9 - Isaiah and Ahaz
Resp: Psalms 48:2-8 - Splendor of the Holy City
Gsp: Matthew 11:20-24 - Reproaches to Unrepentant Towns

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1343&r=2235

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir7CqgzRfh0