The First Native American Saint

Lily of the Mohawks © Lawrence Klimecki

The Church does not create saints, rather it follows a process that allows us to recognize certain individuals as holy and enjoying the Beatific Vision of God. "Blessed" is a step in that process that culminates in canonization.

The recent announcement that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will be formally "canonized," was understandably met with great joy in the Native American community. Click here to read the story.

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The Lily of the Mohawks

Lily of the Mohawks © Lawrence Klimecki

July 14 is the feast day for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. Bl. Kateri was the daughter of a captured Christian Agonquin woman and pagan Mohawk chief. A smallpox epidemic left her scarred and orphaned. In 1676 she was converted and baptized by a Jesuit missionary. Because of her faith she was abused by her family and treated as a slave. She escaped from them and walked 200 miles to join a village of Christian Native Americans in Saulte-Sainte-Marie.

click on thumbnail image for an explanation of the symbols used in this workIn 1679 Kateri took a vow of chastity. This was a purely instinctive act for she had not been exposed to the example of a consecrated life. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is a reminder to us of the Truth that is written in our hearts. It is a truth that cannot be denied no matter the situation we are in or the hardships we endure. It is a truth that speaks to us always, although we are not always listening.

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