Who was Kateri Tekakwitha?
Known as “Lily of the Mohawks,” devotion to Kateri has influenced the estabishment of Native American ministries in Catholic Churches all over the United States and Canada. • Born in 1656, her father was a Mohawk chief and her mother was Algonquin. • Following her conversion and baptism by Jesuit missionaries, she was persecuted and threatened by villagers, but stood firm in her faith. She lived a life dedicated to prayer and cared for the sick and aged. • She died on April 7, 1680 at the age of 24. Kateri was declared venerable by the Catholic Church in 1943 and Beatified in 1980. • Her persistence and heroic virtue continue to inspire Native American Catholics. • Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American to be declared a Blessed. • Work is currently underway to have her Canonized by the Church.
