(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops headquarters building in Washington D.C.)
Kateri Tekakwitha first Native American to be canonized
Thousands of pilgrims to attend canonization ceremony
WASHINGTON - Pope Benedict XVI will canonize seven saints including two Americans: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, and Blessed Mother Marianne Cope, who spent the last 30 years of her life ministering to the sick on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.
The canonization Mass will take place at the Vatican Sunday, October 21.
"Kateri's life is a witness not only to the cost of discipleship