My feet take me up the winding trail
Here at the beautiful Shrine -
The Shrine where God, through Our Lady, says,
“Come. Come and be Mine.”
As I come around the bend in the road,
I find myself face to face
With a maiden so humble and close to God
His smile on her left its trace.
I wonder now at the gentle smile,
The sign that says, “I’m Kateri,”
The look in her eyes that seems to say,
“I’m no longer burdened and weary.”
“Come, all you who labor,
And I will show you the way
To Jesus Christ Who will give you rest,
And Our Lady of Guadalupe.”
Rightly is she called the Lily
Who remained pure in body and soul.
The Lily of the Mohawks - a maiden sweet -
Points me on as the Church bells toll.
My feet carry me on up the winding trail,
Around the bends in the road,
But my thoughts remain, wondering
At the saint who just lightened my load.
I spoke no words, I made no sound,
’Twas simply a beat of the heart
That made known to her all the struggles which
Come into my soul like a dart.
With the simple posture of her hand,
Cradling the Crucifix,
She gives me the soul-saving advice
To see through the devil’s tricks.
“Eyes on Christ,” she seems to say
As she clings to her rosary.
“Eyes on His Mother,” she seems to say
As she prays a Hail Mary.
As I continue up the path
To visit His Blessed Mother,
I say a prayer for Kateri’s friendship,
And I feel her presence hover.
The path spills me onto the plaza,
And I find myself face to face
With a door that leads me straight into
The Mother’s mantle of grace.
I enter now the beautiful church
With Kateri by my side,
Coming in as a fishing boat
That washes in on Love’s tide.
Here I am at Our Lady’s Shrine,
And God gave me a new friend.
“Come. Come and be Mine,” He says.
“Kateri will aid you to the end!”
