Archbishop Chaput Given Pendleton Blanket by Prairie Band Chairman Ortiz

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

PHILADELPHIA - Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Chairman Steve Ortiz presented Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, a tribal member, with a resolution from the Tribal Council and a Pendleton blanket at a private luncheon immediately preceding the installation Mass on Thursday.

Archbishop Chaput & Tribal Chairman Steve Ortiz

On Thursday, the Reverend Charles J. Chaput was installed as the thirteenth Bishop and ninth Archbishop of Philadelphia.

The Pendleton blanket presented to Archbishop Chaput has the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's logo on it and the resolution from the Tribal Council reads in part: "the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation wishes to extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Rev. Charles Chaput for this admirable achievement. Therefore, let it be resolved that the PBPN Tribal Council hereby congratulates Reverend Chaput on his appointment as Archbishop."

“This is exciting to see one of our tribal member rise to this level,”

commented a proud Tribal Chairman Steve Ortiz to the Native News Network.

“He is over 1.5 million parishioners and 1,000 priests. It would not surprise me to see him become a cardinal within two to four years.”

Archbishop Chaput was born in Concordia, Kansas, where his mother still resides. He was one of three children born to the union of Joseph and Marian Helen (née DeMarais) Chaput. His maternal grandmother was the last of the family to live on Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Indian reservation.

"I've known him for years. I admire his perseverance," Ortiz said. "He was in Denver for over ten years and has written a couple of books and brings great honor to our Tribe as a tribal member."

Joining Chairman Ortiz at the luncheon, representing the Tribe was Jerry Tuckwin, chairperson of the PBP Entertainment Board.

Photo Courtesy of the Catholic Standard & Times/Sarah Webb

posted September 10, 2011 9:30 am edt