Shunned and abused by relatives for her faith, Tekakwitha escaped to a cabin where she practiced austere mortifications and is said to have experienced union with God in prayer. Upon her death, a devotion to her, started immediately among her people. "Today, there are a number of shrines and
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Mission is located at 915 South 7500 East in Fort Duchesne. Mass is celebrated Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. by Father Showri Rayalu Kalva from Saint Helen Catholic Church in Roosevelt. Directions: From S.R.40 just north of Roosevelt, turn south onto 7500 East and take the second left and then the first left. Look for a gray house, dark gray slate roof with a small steeple and a tall cross on top. There is a short chain link fence in the front yard with two entry gates. Up two steps and onto the porch and enter through the white storm door. Immediately inside is similar to entering into a home with a living room, with plenty of comfy seating. Proceeding left and enter into the nave, a 12’ x 12’ room. The room is set-up in a diamond style with two entries, one on each side. The altar is directly to the right and was adorned in embroidered white linen, two lit candles and a Roman Missal. Immediately behind the altar table is a corner shelf with a draped tabernacle. A white and gold statue of an angel embracing the Holy Family is in a shelf to the right of the tabernacle and a wooden carved crucifix is to the left.
There is an assortment of chairs that face the altar and are against the rear two walls. Each chair has a missalette waiting on top. There is a corner table that features a beautiful statue of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha and evokes a sense of innocence, peace and humility. Above the table is a dark wooden carving of Jesus showing Him reaching up and a dried palm is in his arms. Just to the left of the chairs, there is an exquisitely detailed Our Lady of Guadalupe statue and a lovely reminder of our Blessed Mother. The windows above the chairs allow plenty of natural light to highlight the altar.
I was made to feel very welcome and truly enjoyed the kindness Father Showri Rayalu Kalva and the parishioners. True Christianity is at work. “Hospitality is not about inviting people into our perfect homes; it is all about inviting people into our imperfect hearts.” - Unknown