Kateri Tekakwitha  

July 14th is the feast of Blessed Kateri Tekakitha. 

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is special to our Parish because of her connection with our Patron, St. Isaac Jogues. Kateri Tekakwitha was born in the same village, in 1656, ten years after St. Isaac Jogues was martyred in the Mohawk Indian Village of Ossernenon (Auriesville, New York). 

When Kateri was only four years old, her father, mother and brother died of small-pox, which spread through the Mohawk Nation. Kateri also became ill with the small- pox. but she escaped death. She was then adopted by her two aunts and uncle. 

Baptized Kateri (Katherine) by Father DeLamberville, a Jesuit Missionary Priest, like St. isaac Jogues she began to live her faith under most difficult circumstances, The people of her village ridiculed and tormented her so much that the Priest urged her to escape to Caughnawaga, Canada, (A Christian Community) where she would be free to practice her faith. 

Kateri loved God so much that her only joy was to think of Him and offer Him all her thoughts, words and actions. She consecrated herself to him and renounced marriage. This was unheard of among the Mohawk People and therefore a source of tormenting. 

Kateri was so filled with the spirit of God, that her entire life gave testimony to Him. Those who lived with her said that it did not take long to be touched by her love for God and people. She was always ready to help others. 

Kateri had great devotion to Jesus and His Cross, and love for the Virgin Mary. 

On April 17, 1680, Kateri died. She was only twenty- four years old. The Indians came to kiss her hands as she lay dead. They all said: ''We have lost a Saint.'' On June 22, 1980, Pope John Paul declared her Blessed. 

This is the last step before a person is declared a saint. She will be the first native North American Saint. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha of the Mohawks is the Indian's gift to the Church and the fruit of the North American martyrs of which St. Isaac Jogues is one. 

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is known as "The Lily of the Mohawks."

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Page last modified 21-Jan-2002.