PARKERSBURG - This month's Saint of the Month Club presentation features Isaac Jogues, portrayed by Deacon Doug Deem, and Kateri Tekakwitha, portrayed by Nicole Dent, at 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at St.?Francis Xavier Parish Center.
Saint Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit priest and missionary, worked among the native population in North America. "The North American Martyrs" also known as "St. Isaac Jogues and Companions" were martyred by the Native Indians (1642-1649). Kateri Tekakwitha was an orphaned Native American Indian.
"Out of that reddened soil there sprang, a decade later, the wonderful little Mohawk saint, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha," said the Rev. Robert McNamara.
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Nicole Dent will portray Kateri Tekakwitha at 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at St.?Francis Xavier Parish Center.
The presentation is told through two actors on the stage and a chorus of people behind the scenes. John Brammer worked with a team to prepare the stage floor; seamstress Melinda Roush created a costume true to the times for Deem, while Kateri Indian dress and accessories are provided by St. Margaret Mary parishioner Sharon Goetemann. Artist Bill Halfhill updated Kateri's title on a banner that will be displayed during the presentation and the Actors Guild provided many larger pieces of the set.
Deem shared how his life experiences have helped prepare him for this role. As a youth he had heard many stories about Father Isaac Jogues and watched his own children choose to dress as Kateri for All Saints Day.
Dent, who portrays Kateri, was recently told of her Indian heritage.
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If You Go
What: Saint of the Month presentation of Isaac Jogues and Kateri Tekakwitha.
When: 2 p.m. Sept. 30
Where: St.?Francis Xavier Parish Center.
