Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: The Lily of the Mohawks
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was a Native American woman who lived in the 17th century. She is known for her deep faith and devotion to God, despite facing many hardships in her life.
Early Life
Kateri was born in 1656 in what is now New York state. Her mother was an Algonquin and her father was a Mohawk chief. When she was young, Kateri contracted smallpox, which left her face scarred and her eyesight impaired.
Conversion to Christianity
After her parents and brother died from smallpox, Kateri was taken in by her uncle, who was a chief in the Mohawk village. Despite pressure from her relatives to conform to traditional Mohawk beliefs, Kateri converted to Christianity after meeting Jesuit missionaries.
Fervent Devotion
Kateri was baptized at the age of 20 and took the name Kateri, which means Catherine. She lived a life of prayer and penance, often spending hours in the woods praying and fasting. Kateri had a great love for the Eucharist and frequently attended Mass.
Death and Canonization
Kateri lived a life of great holiness, but she faced persecution and ridicule from her family and the Mohawk community. She died at the young age of 24 in 1680. Kateri was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, becoming the first Native American saint in the Catholic Church.
Legacy
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is often called the Lily of the Mohawks for her purity and devotion to God. Her story continues to inspire Native Americans and Catholics around the world to live lives of faith and courage. She is a shining example of how anyone, regardless of their background or struggles, can become a saint through their love for God.