Saint Kateri Tekakwitha – The First Native American Saint

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Saint Details

ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, was a 17th-century Mohawk convert to Christianity known for her deep faith, chastity, and love of prayer. Despite hardships and opposition, she lived a life of holiness and died at just 24 years old.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, known affectionately as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” was born on April 14, 1656, in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, present-day Auriesville, New York. Her father was a Mohawk chief, and her mother was an Algonquin Christian who had been captured and adopted into the Mohawk tribe. Tragedy struck early in Kateri's life when a smallpox epidemic swept through her village in 1660. She lost both parents and her younger brother to the disease, and she herself was left severely scarred and partially blind.

Orphaned and physically weakened, Kateri was taken in by relatives who were adherents of traditional tribal religions. Despite the family’s expectations, she grew increasingly curious about Christianity. Her exposure to Catholic missionaries, known as the Blackrobes (Jesuits), opened her heart to the faith her mother had embraced. Her desire to be baptized and live a Christian life only grew stronger, even in the face of misunderstanding and mockery from those around her.

Kateri was baptized on Easter Sunday in 1676 at the age of 20, taking the name Catherine, which in Mohawk became "Kateri." After her conversion, she faced ongoing persecution from her community, who disapproved of her refusal to marry and her devotion to prayer and penance. To live her faith more freely, she fled to the Christian Native community of Kahnawake, near Montreal, Canada.

There, Kateri was able to grow in her spiritual life. She committed herself to a life of chastity and became known for her intense devotion, prayer, and acts of mortification. She practiced severe self-discipline and was often found deep in contemplation and prayer in the forest. Despite her young age and frail health, her maturity in faith and spiritual wisdom attracted others. She longed to found a convent for Native American women, but her death came before the dream could be realized.

Kateri died on April 17, 1680, at just 24 years old. Those present at her death testified that moments after she passed, the smallpox scars that had marred her face vanished, and her face appeared radiant and beautiful. Many miracles have since been attributed to her intercession, especially among Native peoples and those suffering from illness.

St. Kateri was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. She holds a special place in the hearts of Indigenous Catholics across North America and serves as a bridge between Native cultures and Christianity.

Feast Day

14-7-

Birth Date

14-4-1656

Died Date

17-4-1680

Canonised Date

21-10-2012

Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada

"St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks, you embraced the love of Christ with courage and faith. Intercede for us, that we may live with purity and devotion, and help us to follow your example of love for God and others. Guide us in times of difficulty, and lead us closer to the light of Christ. Amen."
ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA

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ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA

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