VATICAN CITY - A big honor for two Upstate New York women, as they officially join the ranks of the Catholic saints. Marianne Cope and Kateri Tekakwitha were canonized along with five others during a mass at the Vatican Sunday morning.

Cope helped found multiple hospitals in Central New York. Tekakwitha becomes the first Native American saint.

Pope Benedict the 16th spoke of both women's strong faith as an example to all Catholics. "Marianne Cope showed the highest love, courage and enthusiasm. She's a shining and energetic example of the best of the tradition of Catholic nursing sisters and of the spirit of her beloved St. Francis. Leading a simple life, Kateri remained faithful to her love for Jesus, to prayer, and to daily mass. Her greatest wish was to know and to do what pleased God."