Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Source: twitter.com

The Lily of the Mohawks, patron of Native Americans, patron of ecology, ecologists, and the environment – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha has several other titles and patronages – quite an achievement for a young woman who died when just 24, a baptized Christian for a mere four years.

Tekakwitha, a name meaning one who puts things in order, was born to a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk warrior father in 1656 in upstate New York along the Hudson River, near present-day Auriesville.

When she was four, smallpox swept through the village. She was left weakened, scarred and partially blind. Both parents died in the outbreak. Her two aunts and uncle, the chief of his clan, adopted Tekakwitha. She spent her time with chores and playing with other girls in the village.

During this time, she took an interest in Christianity, often fingering the rosary left by her mother. There were fond memories of her good and prayerful mother and of the elements of the Catholic faith that her mother shared with her.

Tekakwitha’s uncle usually disliked the Blackrobe and his strange religion, but he tolerated the presence of Fr. de Lamberville, a Jesuit missionary. The chief’s niece was baptised at the age of 20. It was at her baptism that she took the name Kateri, in recognition of Saint Catherine of Siena.

Members of Kateri’s tribe did not understand her strong interest in religion, treating her as an outcast, acting with hostility and even threatening her life. So she fled on a dangerous journey through the wilderness, heading for an established community of Native American Christians in Kahnawake, just south of Montreal.

She lived a life dedicated to prayer, penitential practices, and care for the sick and aged. In 1679, Kateri took a vow of chastity. Her motto became, Who can tell me what is most pleasing to God that I may do it?

The villagers felt close to God when Kateri spoke about the life of Jesus and when she prayed.  Some said that her face became full of beauty and peace, as if they were looking at God’s face.

It was in Kahnawake that she died on April 17, 1680. Within a short time there were references to her saintly and healing powers, partly because her disfigured face miraculously cleared. Three hundred years after her death, on June 22, 1980, Pope John Paul II beatified Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American so honoured.

At the ceremony, he spoke of how Kateri stands before us as a symbol of the best of the heritage that is yours as North American Indians. While singling out her unique role for Native Americans, he stressed that Kateri is offered as an example for the whole Church.

All of us are inspired and edified by her complete trust in the providence of God and encouraged by her joyful fidelity to the Gospel. The Pontiff pointed out Kateri’s solid faith, straightforward humility, calm resignation, and radiant joy, even in the midst of terrible sufferings. Her gravestone describes her as the fairest flower that ever bloomed among red men.

Pope Benedict XVI canonized Kateri on October 21, 2012. That was an answer to the prayers of many people. It brings us a saint who holds a special place of devotion among the native peoples of Canada and the United States.

That devotion has resulted in Native American ministries in Catholic Churches throughout both countries. Let us pray to Saint Kateri, that she may intercede for our First Nations brothers and sisters who suffer so much poverty and injustice.

Philip Shano, SJ has many years of rich and varied experience working with Ignatian spirituality: teaching, writing and using it in his ministry. He resides in the Jesuit community in Pickering, Ontario.

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2 Comments
  • M j. Kelley
    Posted at 10:42h, 24 July Reply

    Thank you Father ! Jane kelley

  • Joan levy Earle
    Posted at 07:11h, 25 July Reply

    The former editor of the Messenger of the Sacred Heart magazine, Father Fred Power, S.J. once told me that it was St. Kateri Tekawitha who inspired his vocation to the priesthood. He was living in New Brunswick at that time and there was a statue of her in the church where he worshipped. May this Canadian Saint inspire many others to follow the Lord as priests, deacons and religious. Inspiring article, Father Shano.

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