Letter
Letter to the Native American and Alaskan Native Catholic Communities regarding COVID-19
Letter from Rev. Michael Carson, assistant director of Native American Affairs at the USCCB, to the Native American and Alaskan Native Catholic Communities regarding COVID-19.
The purpose of the letter to Native America communities is to offer spiritual support, encouragement, and solidarity during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Messages:
- Shared resilience: The letter acknowledges that recent weeks have brought communities closer as they adapt, support one another, and pray for those affected by the pandemic.
- Tradition of strength: Native American and Alaska Native peoples have historically endured and survived epidemics, loss, and suffering through communal care and deep faith.
- Faith reawakening: The author notes signs of renewed faith within families and communities during the crisis.
- Model of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Saint Kateri—who herself faced illness, death, and hardship—is presented as a spiritual companion and intercessor for those feeling fear or isolation.