tekakwitha

Catholic architect Erik Boostma, a former parishioner of the Diocese of Arlington who now works and lives in Richmond, primarily works on churches and renovations. His latest project is a little different — though still a center for spirituality and devotion — he’s designed a new shrine dedicated to St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Gallup, N.M.

Sites such as the shrine being dedicated to the Native American saint — canonized in 2012 and the patron saint of Native Americans, Indigenous and First Nations peoples — help bring awareness and evangelization to a populace that may be otherwise ignored.

“People learn through symbols and things they see,” said Bootsma. “Architecture is a teaching tool.”

New Mexico's St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine honors patron saint of Native Americans

Produced by Stacy Rausch. Production assistance by Elizabeth Elliott and Mary Stachyra Lopez. 

Paul travels to Rome for the canonization of 7 new saints, including the North American Saints Kateri Tekakwitha and Mother Marianne Cope. Hear the excitement in the crowd of tens of thousands of pilgrims who have traveled to witness the special ceremony on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica.

Witness parts of the canonization ceremony preceding a Mass in Piazza San Pietro, with pilgrims from many nations.  The Filippino's clearly had the largest international contingent for the canonization of their second saint, and the only saint of Guam, Pedro Calungsod.  Paul interviews several of the pilgrims before heading out for lunch, at the close of a magical morning in La Citta' Eterna!