Saint Enmegahbowh, Priest and Missionary

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Luke 6:17-23

Enmegahbowh, Ojibwe, was the very first Indigenous priest ordained in the Episcopal Church. He was born in about 1820 and died in 19o2, serving his people and working for peace and concord throughout his life. He helped found St. Columba's mission on the White Earth Reservation. He lived through wars and desperate times in this country, a time when he and all other Native people did not have the right to vote and weren't considered citizens in their own homeland. He lived displaying Christ's true blessedness, in the face of poverty, sorrow, hatred, exclusion and defamation. He honored and loved all people in his midst and brought them good news in the face of very terrifying times. May we, who face uncertain and terrifying times, remember the example of Enmegahbowh, and carry God's love, good new and hope to the people we encounter today.

                                Prayer for the Feast Day of Enmegahbowh

                                        (Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

Almighty God, who led your pilgrim people of old by fire and cloud: 

Grant that the ministers of your church, following the example 

of your servant Enmegahbowh, may lead your people

with fiery zeal and gentle humility; through Jesus Christ, 

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.