Soon, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will become Saint Kateri - this week, Pope Benedict XVI approved a miracle attributed to her intercession. She will be the first Native American to be declared a saint by the Catholic Church.Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680), was born in what is now upstate New York. Her mother was a Christian; her father was not. As she grew up, Kateri occasionally encountered Jesuit missionaries, the “Blackrobes.” When she was nineteen, she was baptized, and received the name Catherine (Kateri). Her Mohawk relatives disapproved, and Kateri finally left them, walking 200 miles to a Christian settlement near Montreal. In these more congenial surroundings, she devoted herself to a life of prayer and penance. Here she died at the age of 24.
In honor of Kateri - and the season - I thought I would share with you the Huron carol, composed by St. Jean de Brebeuf in 1653, shortly before Kateri was born.
'Twas in the moon of wintertime
When all the birds had fled
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead
Before their light the stars grew dim
And wond'ring hunters heard the hymn:
Jesus, your King, is born;
Jesus is born!
In excelsis gloria!
Within a lodge of broken bark,
The tender Babe was found
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped His beauty round
And as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high:
Jesus, your King, is born;
Jesus is born!
In excelsis gloria!
O children of the forest free,
O songs of Manitou
The Holy Child of earth and heav'n
Is born today for you
Come kneel before the radiant Boy
Who brings you beauty, peace and joy:
Jesus, your King, is born;
Jesus is born!
In excelsis gloria!
