About the Rosary Walk
“The Saint Kateri Shrine will Be a National Spiritual Home for All"
Bishop James S. Wall
The Saint Kateri Rosary Walk includes a new shrine being built in the Gallup Diocese to honor St. Kateri Tekakwitha. It will imitate the life and example of the Native American saint, popularly known as the “Lily of the Mohawks.” The Rosary Walk winds its way through our beautiful southwestern landscape.
We will rely on the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who we know first appeared to an indigenous person, that being St. Juan Diego. This shrine will be a very special place for everyone, especially to the indigenous Native American peoples of this land. Even though the Native people were often the first to be evangelized, they were also often the first to be forgotten. Despite the many hardships, neglect, and the history of brutality towards them they hold fast to their culture and Catholic faith.
The groundbreaking event recently held featured drumming as well as the Butterfly and Eagle dances from members of the Laguna tribe.
“This shrine is particularly meaningful for Native American Catholics because it’s dedicated to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha,” said Sands, a priest of the Detroit Archdiocese, who is a member of the Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes. “It’s an acknowledgement of the role that she plays in the Catholic Church, not just as an example for Native Americans, but for all Catholics. It’s also a recognition of Native people,” he said in his remarks. “To recognize a saint who is Native American and to have it located in this diocese, which has the highest percentage of Native American Catholics in the United States, is very significant.”
"Find Your Spiritual Self" through Prayer In A Place of Beauty from God
Each year, we anticipate the shrine will attract visitors, pilgrims and tourists from across North America and the world to Gallup, New Mexico. The shrine will include a chapel, museum, and 23 outdoor rosary Nichos. Each Nicho will feature artwork designed by a Native American Catholic artist from a distinct tribe.
Honoring Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Native American and Catholic values are respected and honored together in one place.
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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine
Read more about the life of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and the new shrine
Our Lady of Guadalupe Plaza
Read more about the Our Lady of Guadalupe Plaza
Nicho Sponsorship Program
Read more about the Nicho Sponsorship Program