BAY MILLS — Dozens of people attended the inauguration and blessing of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Chippewa County.
In the early morning hours of May 5, 2021, the church was destroyed by a fire, leaving the community without a building to worship in. Since then, mass has been held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Brimley.
On Sunday, Bishop John Doerfler of Marquette was joined by Father Dominic Afrifa and others in blessing the new church building and visitors. They said they’re eager to welcome everyone home.
“I am filled with joy. I never dreamt of this... 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,” said Father Dominic Afrifa, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church.
The cause of the fire was never determined.