Rome, Italy, Mar 15, 2012 / 03:16 am
South Dakota's Native American Catholics are looking toward Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha's canonization for hope amid social and economic troubles, according to Bishop Robert D. Gruss of Rapid City.
“I think this canonization of Blessed Kateri will be a great inspiration, and give them hope in their lives,” Bishop Gruss told CNA on March 9, during the last days of his “ad limina” visit to Rome with other bishops from his state as well as Minnesota and North Dakota.
“It's the first Native American woman to be canonized as a saint, so she will really be a symbol for them. And that's our hope: that in the midst of all of that, it will inspire them, and allow them to be drawn deeper into their own faith.”
Bishop Gruss and his fellow bishops met with Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican officials during the traditional trip to Rome, offering them an update on the state of their local churches over the past five years.