Aug 22, 2019
Catholic architect Erik Boostma, a former parishioner of the Diocese of Arlington who now works and lives in Richmond, primarily works on churches and renovations. His latest project is a little different — though still a center for spirituality and devotion — he’s designed a new shrine dedicated to St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Gallup, N.M.
Sites such as the shrine being dedicated to the Native American saint — canonized in 2012 and the patron saint of Native Americans, Indigenous and First Nations peoples — help bring awareness and evangelization to a populace that may be otherwise ignored.
“People learn through symbols and things they see,” said Bootsma. “Architecture is a teaching tool.”
New Mexico's St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine honors patron saint of Native Americans
Produced by Stacy Rausch. Production assistance by Elizabeth Elliott and Mary Stachyra Lopez.