By Rosemary Bonaparte

This past week I went to Quebec with the Tri-District Elders. Our first visit was with the Wendake First Nation Reserve, Hurons. Our tour was to the longhouse, the waterfall and the Notre Dame de Lorette Church. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was given a place of honor in the church and our guide told us the story of her life. Afterward, Terry Steele told us her story.

We all know Terry. She has been portraying Kateri Tekakwitha for about twenty-eight years. She gave many workshops with Bernice at the Kateri National Conferences and she is presently volunteering at the National Kateri Shrine in Fonda.

Terry was recently ill and under a doctor’s care. On a visit earlier this summer the doctor told her about his son, Christopher. He was diagnosed with cancer that had spread to his brain and organs. She gave him prayer cards and the story of Kateri before she went to this year’s Kateri Conference. When she returned she received the following letter.

July 23, 2019

Dear Theresea:

Shawn and I would like to thank you for all the prayers and special attention you have given our son, Christopher, during his fight with his diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma this past December 2018. The initial diagnosis was metastatic tumors in his Sphenoid, Cerebellum, Lung, Liver and Kidney. His most recent scan shows that his tumors have diminished and only a small tumor exists in the cerebellum. It truly is miraculous! Your religious support, prayers and the special Mass said on his behalf on July 13th, are so appreciated. We truly believe that all the religious support, whether in form of prayer, thought, or at a Mass, has truly made a difference in Chris’ treatment. The positive thoughts and prayers have answered our wishes and he continues to improve. We are very blessed that friends like you keep us in your prayers and special powers with the Lord. Thank you so much for all you have done for Chris and our family. We will pray for you as well.

In much appreciation,

Judy and Shawn Fazio.

Our Saint, Kateri Tekakwitha, is still answering prayers.