|
Also known as
Catherine Tekakwitha; Lily of the Mohawks; Tegakouita; Tegakwitha
Profile
Daughter of a Christian Algonquin woman captured by Iroquois and married
to a non-Christian Mohawk chief. Orphaned during a smallpox epidemic,
which left her with a scarred face and impaired eyesight. Converted and
baptized in 1676 by Father Jacques de Lamberville, a Jesuit missionary.
Shunned and abused by relatives for her faith. Escaped through 200 miles
of wilderness to the Christian Native American village of
Sault-Sainte-Marie. Took a vow of chastity in 1679. Known for spirituality
and austere lifestyle. Miracle worker. Her grave became a pilgrimage site
and place of miracles for Christian Native Americans and French colonists.
First Native American proposed for canonization, her cause was started in
1884 under Pope Leo XIII. The Tekakwitha Conference, an international
association of Native American Catholics and those in ministry with them,
was named for her.
Born
1656 at Osserneon (Auriesville), modern New York, USA
Died
17 April 1680 at Caughnawaga, Canada
Venerated
1943
Beatified
22 June 1980 by Pope John Paul II
Canonization
pending; if you have information related to her cause, contact the Vice
Postulator, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha League, Auriesville, NY 12016, the
people working for the canonization of Saint Kateri
Patronage
ecologists, ecology, environment, environmentalism, environmentalists,
exiles, loss of parents, people in exile, people ridiculed for their
piety, World Youth Day
|
