Dozens of people attended the Inauguration and Blessing of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Bay Mills Sunday afternoon.
Over three years ago, in early May 2021, the church was destroyed by fire. The cause was never found.
That fire left the congregation with no building to worship in, however services were held at nearby St. Xavier Catholic Church in Brimley.
On Sunday, Bishop John Doerfler from the Diocese of Marquette was joined by Father Dominic Afrifa, several priests, deacons and others, in blessing the new church building and visitors.
"I am filled with joy. I never dreamt of this. Even though it was a very emotional moment, but God has His own way of doing things. This is another way that He was trying to prove to humanity how much He loves us," Fr. Afrifa said.
Fr. Afrifa said seeing the church go up in flames was horrible.
"I wept. I cried on that day. But today shows that in certain turmoils, He makes himself lovable and shows us His glory. I am optimistic that the church will be fuller now. I am enthused and moved with so many emotions," Fr. Afrifa added.
Fr. Afrifa thanks all those who have prayed and contributed to the new church.
Life-long Bay Mills resident and member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, Wanda Perron, was in attendance cooking for the feast after the service.
Perron's children all had their sacraments, their marriages, their baptisms and confirmations at the church before it burned down.
"Today means a lot to me. Our family has been involved in this church since the very beginning. There was a little old laundry building that sat down the road....a one room-building that was the first church. This property we are on now was donated by my great-grandmother, so it's been in the family a long time. It is really important to all of us," Perron said.
If you like more information about the rich history of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church and its service times, click here.
