Over the last several years, as I have become more involved in disability ministry, I have been made aware of many wonderful resources that may be utilized for religious formation, scripture study, sacramental preparation, spiritual formation and prayer.
The book that I would like to share with you today tells the stories of saints who lived with a disability. Megan Gannon, the author of “Special Saints for Special People,” has Cerebral Palsy. In the introduction of her book, she shares the fact that, as a youngster, it really never occurred to her that there were saints who were disabled.
She writes that “I know I would have always turned to them (saints) in situations that only another disabled person would understand.” In this book, she chose particularly those saints “who accepted themselves and never received a miraculous cure.” Her hope is that the stories of the saints included in this book will inspire and encourage others who live with a disability.
One of the stories Gannon chose to share was that of Kateri Tekakwitha. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, as most people know, was the first Native American saint, and is usually remembered as the patron saint of nature and the respect for the environment. What most people aren’t as-often aware of is that she is also the patron saint of people with deformities and sight impairments. As a young child, Kateri was very sick with smallpox; and even though she survived, she was left with scars all over her body – including her face. The disease also severely damaged her vision.
Kateri’s family died of smallpox, and she was raised by her aunts and uncle. Her childhood was very much like all other Native American children. She grew to be a sweet young woman – quiet, shy and loving, with an engaging personality. When she was 18, she was introduced to Jesuit missionaries and the teachings of the Catholic faith. This event changed Kateri’s life forever.
No longer accepted by her people because of her newfound faith, she left her village and made the dangerous journey to the Saint Francis Xavier du Sault mission in Canada. Kateri was baptized and received her first communion. After the reception of the sacraments, she chose to dedicate her life to God and not marry. The remainder of her life was spent in fervent prayer, caring for the sick, and sharing with others Gospel stories and everything she learned about Jesus. Saint Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks, died at age 24.
As we all journey to holiness, we are met along the way by individuals and their stories that we find relatable. I believe that, in presenting stories of saints who lived with disabilities, it is Megan’s hope that her readers will find a connection with a saint who may be a catalyst for their own continued spiritual growth. It very well may be that, through the life of that saint – with their struggles and triumphs – others may be encouraged to persevere in their given circumstance, recognizing the gifts they have to offer as a member of the Body of Christ.
If you are interested in being introduced to other resources, please visit our website https://www.evdio.org/resources.html to find books. Look under the heading of Curriculum (additional books).