St. Kateri Tekakwitha

The Lily of the Mohawks, first Native American saint, who chose Christ against her whole village.

The story

Orphaned by smallpox that left her scarred and half-blind, Kateri was baptized by Jesuit missionaries at nineteen and persecuted by her people for refusing to work on Sunday and to marry. She fled to the Christian village at Kahnawake, made a private vow of virginity, and practiced severe penance and constant prayer. She died at twenty-four; witnesses saw her scars vanish at her death.

What Kateri teaches

Faith may cost you your family and your home. Kateri found in Christ a belonging deeper than blood.

Patronage

Native Americans, ecology, people in exile.

Prayer

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for all who suffer for their faith, and teach us your purity of heart. Amen.