9 Things to Know About Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the First Native American Saint

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as the "Lily of the Mohawks," was a remarkable Native American woman and is a canonized saint in the Catholic Church.

Saint Kateri lived in the 17th century. Today, she is revered as a symbol of indigenous spirituality, resilience, and the transformative power of faith!

The Church celebrates her feast day on July 14.

Here are nine things to know and share about Saint Kateri Tekakwitha:

1. Kateri was born in 1656 in the Kanienkehaka (“Mohawk”) village of Ossernenon. She lived most of her life in present-day New York.

2. Her mother was an Algonquin Catholic and her father was a Kanienkehaka chief. Her mother's faith left a lasting impression on her.

3. Although weakened, partially blinded, and scarred, she was the only member of her family to survive the smallpox epidemic.

4. She was baptized on Easter in 1676 at age 20. She later moved to the Catholic mission of Saint Francis Xavier at Sault Saint-Louis near Montreal.

5. Saint Kateri spent much of her time before the Blessed Sacrament and always carried a Rosary with her.

6. Saint Kateri died at age 24. Her last words were, “Jesus, I love You.”

7. The priests at Kateri’s deathbed said her facial scars from smallpox miraculously cleared.

8. Saint Kateri is the first canonized indigenous woman from North America.

9. She is the patron saint of indigenous peoples, ecology, and the environment.

Here is a prayer for Saint Kateri Tekakwitha's intercession:

Loving God, we celebrate Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, “Lily of the Mohawks”, as one of Your Son’s most faithful followers. Help us to turn away all evil and walk in her footsteps, sharing our love and concern with others.

Let us revere Your mystical presence in the poor and suffering as did she. Through Kateri’s powerful intercession, we confidently ask You to grant us this special favor we ask for in her name (mention your intentions).

Share Your healing and peace, especially with family, friends, and the sick, whom we commend to Your loving care. We ask this through Your Crucified and Risen Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word, Who lives with You forever and ever.

Amen.

Pray the full litany to this incredible saint on EWTN's website.