July 14
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
“Lily of the Mohawks”
(1656 – 1680)
“Who can tell me what is most pleasing to God that I may do it?”
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Click here for the Amazon page or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
Daughter of a Mohawk Chief
Kateri was born in 1656 in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon near the town of Auriesville, New York. She was the daughter Kenneronkwa, a Mohawk chief, and Kahenta, an Algonquin Christian woman, who had been captured in a raid, then adopted and assimilated into the tribe.
Orphaned by Smallpox
She was four-years-old when her parents and younger brother died of smallpox. The disease also attacked Kateri, scarring her face and damaging her eyesight. The Jesuits’ account of Tekakwitha said that she was a modest girl who avoided social gatherings; she covered much of her head with a blanket because of the smallpox scars. Due to her poor vision, Kateri was named “Tekakwitha”, which means “she who bumps into things”.
Adopted and Pressured to Marriage
Kateri was adopted by her two aunts and an uncle, who was strongly opposed to Christianity. As was the custom, she was pressured to consider marriage around age thirteen, but she refused.
Met Jesuit Priest
In the spring of 1674, at age eighteen, Kateri met the Jesuit priest Jacques de Lamberville, who was visiting the village. She told him her story and her desire to become a Christian. After this, she started secretly studying the catechism with him. Her uncle finally relented and gave his permission for Kateri to become a Christian, provided that she did not try to leave the Indian village.
Baptized and Named Kateri
Father Lamberville baptized Kateri at the age of 19, on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1676. Kateri was renamed “Catherine” after Saint Catherine of Siena (Kateri was the Mohawk form of the name). For joining the Catholic Church, she was ridiculed and reviled. She even received death threats from members of her own tribe. They also treated her like a slave. For example, when she refused to work on Sunday, she received no food that day.
Fled to Canada
Although she suffered greatly for her Faith, Kateri remained steadfast in it. On the advice of a Father Lamberville, she fled from her village and walked over 300 miles to a settlement of Christian Indians, near Montreal, Canada. The St. Francis Xavier settlement became her new home. Here, she was known for her gentleness, generosity, and virtuous character.
Deeply Devoted Dedicated to Care of Sick and Poor
Kateri lived a life dedicated to prayer, penance, and care for the sick and elderly. She was deeply devoted to the Eucharist and to Jesus Crucified. At 23, she made a vow of virginity, a heroic and unprecedented act for a Native American woman, who was expected to marry to insure her future survival. She also consecrated herself to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Her Death
On April 17, 1680, at the age of twenty-four, Kateri died. Her last words were: “Jesus — Mary — I love you.” Witnesses stated that within minutes of her death, the pock marks from the smallpox completely disappeared and her face lit up with radiant beauty. She is often referred to as a lily, a traditional symbol of purity associated with the Virgin Mary. Devotion to Kateri is responsible for establishing Native American ministries in Catholic Churches all over the United States and Canada.
Born: 1656 in Ossernenon, New York
Died: April 17, 1680 in Kahanawke, Quebec, Canada
Beatified: June 22, 1980 by Pope John Paul II
Canonized: October 21, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI
Feast Day: April 17, July 14 (US)
Patron Saint: Canada; Ecology; Environment; Exiles; Loss of Parents; Native Americans; Orphans
Reflection
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was born in a Mohawk village in the 17th century. As a child, she lost her parents and was left with scars from smallpox. When shunned and abused by relatives for her faith, she trekked 200 miles through the wilderness to find a Christian village. Her decision was not easy. She faced criticism and rejection from some members of her community. Yet, she remained faithful and trusted that God would guide her.
In this “village”, she had the support of priests and Christian friends. Even in primitive conditions, her faith grew by praying and doing acts of charity, following Jesus with her whole heart. Saint Kateri showed great courage by living her faith each day. Her example teaches us that true strength comes from trusting God, especially when we face challenges.
Known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” Saint Kateri reminds us that holiness is possible for everyone. By loving others and seeking God daily, we can grow closer to Christ and become witnesses to His love.
Start today with prayer and almsgiving. These acts do not mean that you will avoid suffering, but with the support of your Christian community your holiness with thrive, like Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.
Prayers
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha,
Lily of the Mohawks and shining example of faith, you embraced Christianity and devoted your life to Jesus Christ, despite the challenges and trials you faced.
You remained steadfast in your love for God, and your heart overflowed with compassion for others.
Through your intercession, pray for us, that we may have the courage to follow Christ faithfully, even in the face of adversity and misunderstanding.
May we imitate your virtues of humility, purity, and love for nature, and may we grow in our love for God and our fellow human beings.
Protect and intercede for all Native peoples, that they may find hope, healing, and strength in their cultural heritage and in the love of Jesus Christ.
May we be inspired by your holy life, and that one day, we may join you in praising God’s glory in heaven.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha , pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – How St. Kateri led many Native Americans to Jesus Christ
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 14 July – Saint Kateri ‘Catherine’ Tekakwitha (1656–1680) “Lily of the Mohawks”
Angelus News – Saint of the day: St Kateri Tekakwitha
Canada National Saint Kateri Shrine – Prayers
Catholic Culture – Catholic Prayer: Litany of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Catholic Exchange – How A ‘Mohawk Saint’ Can Inspire Us All
Catholic Ireland – Jul 14 – St Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680)
Catholic Online – St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Editions Magnificant – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Iroquois Virgin (1656-1680)
Franciscan Media -Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Independent Catholic News – Kateri Tekakwitha: first Native North American Saint
Loyola Press – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Retreat
Saint for a Minute – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine
Saint Mary Press – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Saint of the Day – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Video Link
St. Kateri Tekakwitha – YouTube (Catholic Online)