A Long Letter from F.: Chapters 17-24 Summary

Catherine Tekakwitha dies in Chapter 17. The first miraculous event occurs immediately after, when her face turns white and her pock-marked skin heals to an alabaster glow. The priests are amazed and begin to prepare her coffin. In Chapter 18, F. comments on the racial implications of Catholicism's obsession with whiteness, typified by this episode involving Catherine.

In Chapter 19, Catherine is prepared for burial and given a large funeral at the mission. Claude argues that she should be buried in the church, but Pierre insists that she be interred at her favorite prayer location, at the cross by the river. The next day, the mission is fevered with penitent acts. Some beat themselves and others take vows of chastity. Claude makes a rosary in Catherine's honor. In Chapter 20, F. cites a French military...