Two groups seek funds for Rome trip Flutists, Native Americans to see Kateri’s canonization

Two groups in the Diocese of Tucson are raising funds to pay for trips to Rome for the canonization of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha on Oct. 21.
Several Tohono O’odham have come together to raise funds through food sales and donations so they can travel as a group to Rome in October and see the fulfillment of their dream, the canonization of the first Native American, the “Lily of the Mohawks.”
Meanwhile, students of the Native American flute – taught by Vince Redhouse, a well-known musician and a member of the St. Piux X Knights of Columbus – have been invited to perform at the canonization ceremony.
Redhouse and the students are planning a fund-raising concert on Aug. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Piux Church. A suggested donation is $10 to $20 and all proceeds will go to travel costs. For more information, contact Pete Karculias at 520-722-7093 or email skpeter@cox.net.
Individually and collectively, the Tohono O’odham Pilgrimage Group has for many years prayed for the Mohawk woman’s canonization, and, they said in a news release, “it will be a blessing to see this realized in Rome on October 21, 2012.”
The Tohono O’odham group said they believe they will be blessed in this pilgrimage and plan to share, in the everyday providence of their lives, at Kateri Circle Meetings, and elsewhere their experiences and rededicate themselves to their Indian patroness, St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
Some $28,000 is needed by Aug. 10 to make the historic trip possible.
“There are eight of us who have come together as the Tohono O’odham Pilgrimage Group,” said Juana Casillas. “There are, however, many others who are also fundraising to go to Rome; some are large families, others are mother and daughter, or are friends and relatives within certain regions of the Tohono O’odham Reservation.”
She said food sales – fry bread sales – are the primary fundraisers so far, “and these are not going to get the total dollars needed. We are also asking our families, villages, districts, and tribal executive offices for donations. We will also be soliciting the casinos and other businesses in the Tucson area.”
To make a donation or for more information, contact Edith Manuel at 520-302-6621, or Art Bailey at 520-248-6158.  Donations can be made payable to the Reservation Creation Women’s Circle Charitable Trust (for the Tekakwitha Canonization) and mailed to P. O. Box 27782, Tucson, AZ 85726.