“It’s a once in a lifetime thing,” parishioner Diana Lavigne said. “Our community is close to it because of our name.”
With her canonization on Oct. 21, the parish will become St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.
Some parishioners have been praying for Blessed Kateri’s elevation to saint for several years. Parishioner Violet Reyes became aware of the new saint’s story when she first came to the parish and quickly became attached to Kateri.
“I am happy to be able to witness it,” Reyes said. “When we first came [to the parish] we were praying for her sainthood. Now we will be able to call her Saint Kateri. It’s wonderful.”
Father Joseph Nguyen, S.V.D., pastor at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish had several parishioners approach him following the announcement of her canonization wondering if it was really true and offering to help acknowledge the event in some way at the two worship centers.
“This is something good and will bring us closer to God,” Fr. Nguyen said.
The parish has assembled a group to witness the canonization in Rome. Though only a small group will be able to travel to Rome, parishioners at both parish sites are getting excited as the canonization day approaches.
“It’s something that you will never experience again,” parishioner Vella Moreno said. “It’s an amazing thing.”
Following the canonization ceremony in Rome on Oct. 21, the parish will hold a special Mass and reception on Nov. 4 to celebrate Kateri’s sainthood and the renaming of the parish community. Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego will preside over the Mass at the Beaumont location.
“It’s a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate Saint Kateri and the new parish name,” Father Nguyen said.
Reyes believes the canonization may strengthen the bonds of the two parish sites that were combined into one parish community in 2006.
“I hope we will all come together and we will be one big church,” Reyes said. “Hopefully that day will come.”