by Heather Knockwood, MMNN Contributor

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha’s canonization will take place at Saint Peter’s square in Rome, on October 21, 2012. Thirty-seven pilgrims, representing our local communities, parishes and the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, leave for Rome on October 15 and returns on October 22, 2012. They will also be joined by the pilgrims from Eskasoni and New Brunswick prior to the ceremony. The president of the SKW Pastoral Council, Stephen Knockwood, was successful in securing 60 VIP seats from the Vatican City for the canonization ceremony and all the pilgrims will share their united faith at the event.

A special Mass will be conducted at St. Catherine’s Parish (SKW) on October 13, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. for those who desire to pray for the safe journey of the pilgrims.

The official unveiling and dedication of the Saint Kateri Healing Shrine in Indian Brook, will be held on October 28, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at Saint Catherine’s Sapewit Katlin Wutanm. The special mass will include the dedication of St. Kateri with singing and prayers; followed by a procession of the St. Kateri Healing Shrine. Financial contributors of the shrine will lead the candlelight procession. The SKW Pastoral Council will be hosting a reception following the dedication, all are welcome to attend.

Tags: Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, Eskasoni, Kateri Tekakwitha, New Brunswick, Saint Kateri Healing Shrine, Saint Peter’s square - Rome, SKW Pastoral Council, St. Catherine’s Parish, Stephen Knockwood, Vatican City