Kaia'tanó:ron
Kateri TekakwithaLily of the Mohawks
1656-1680
1656-1680
The "Lily of the Mohawks" was born in 1656 at Ossernenon, near Auriesville, N.Y., where Saint Isaac Jogues and Companions were martyred, 1642-1646. Her mother, a captive Christian Algonquin, and her pagan father died when she was a child unbaptized.
She grew up innocent, industrious, chaste. When eighteen, a missionary came to her people. Baptized at Easter in 1676, she was persecuted by wicked Indians. She escaped to La Prairie, Canada, in autumn 1677. She was a model of prayer, a lover of the Holy Eucharist and of the Blessed Virgin. She received First Communion at Christmas, resisted a second attempt to have her marry, and made the vow of virginity, first of her people, on the feast of the Annunciation in 1679.
She died April 17, 1680. Remarkable cures have been effected by using objects applied to her relics. She is called a wonder-worker for the many favors obtained by invoking her aid. The Cause for her canonization is now in progress.
"A spectacle for men and Angels". - Pius XI
May 9, 1939, the Cardinals of the Congregation of Rites recommended the Introduction of the Cause for her Beatification and their decision was sanctioned by our Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, May 19, 1939.
June 22, 1980, His Holiness John Paul II proclaimed Kateri a Blessed.
Kateri is the First of the First Americans to be so honored by the church.
