St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Mohawk-Algonquin convert (1656-1680), "Lily of the Mohawks," born at Ossernenon (modern Auriesville, NY) where the Jesuit martyrs had died; orphaned by smallpox at four, baptized at twenty by Jesuit missionaries, fled persecution to the Christian Iroquois settlement at Kahnawake near Montreal. Died at 24 in penitential austerity. First North American Indigenous saint; canonized 2012 by Benedict XVI.
Life & Times
Born: 1656 · Died: 17 April 1680 · From: Mohawk territory / Canada.
Patronage
St. Kateri Tekakwitha is invoked as the patron of indigenous peoples, ecology, loss of parents, people ridiculed for piety. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Kateri Tekakwitha, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.