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Wednesday was another important day at the Shine. It was the day a new outdoor devotional area was to be unveiled and blessed. It was also a day to learn about Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American Blessed as well as St. Juan Diego. While separated in time and geography these two people were uniquely chosen by God and have stories that inspire us today. An early morning breakfast conference was held at the Culina Mariana, the shrine restaurant. Our special guest for the conference was Monsignor Paul Lenz, the vice-postulator for the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Kateri. He gave the invited guests an overview of the life of Blessed Kateri and reminded them that her relics would be placed in the main altar of the Shrine Church during its dedication on the next day. Monsignor Lenz also provided a short tutorial on the process which the church follows in determining the sanctity of a deceased person. This rigorous process ensures the faithful that the person’s life has been scrutinized and found to be worthy of devotion by the faithful. After celebrating Mass at 11 AM, Monsignor Lenz joined a large group for the unveiling and blessing of the Blessed Kateri outdoor devotional area which is located along the meditation trail between the Votive Candle Chapel and the Shrine Church. It is the second such devotional area to be dedication – the first was the devotional area to St. Joseph the Workman which was dedicated in September, 2007. As an interesting side note, during the blessing, and only during the blessing, two eagles from the nearby bluffs circled high above the statue of Blessed Kateri repeatedly calling out! It was a wonderful moment and very fitting for this first Native American Blessed. Throughout the afternoon, those present could choose to listen to two very dynamic speakers. Father Brian Van Jove, S.J. of St. Louis, MO, provided pilgrims with an overview of the life of Blessed Father Miguel Pro. Bishop Joseph Madera, M.Sp.S, retired Auxiliary Bishop of the Military Archdiocese and a native son of Mexico, gave an exceptional overview of the symbolism embedded in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the tilma of Saint Juan Diego. Later in the afternoon, coverage of the Shrine moved from local TV and statewide print coverage to national media as Relevant Radio began broadcasting LIVE from the Shrine Church plaza. Well-known talk host, Drew Mariani, interviewed a number of key individuals associated with the design and development of the Shrine as the anxiety levels began to go up in anticipation of the Dedication on the next day. Meanwhile EWTN was finishing the elaborate preparations for their special LIVE broadcast of the Dedication Mass. The pieces were falling into place, with only the weather as a wild card.
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