Saint Kateri Tekawitha

St Kateri Tekakwitha aka Lily of the Mohawks, was born in 1656 in New Netherland (Now Auriesville, New York) to a Mohawk father and an Algonquin mother (two Native American tribes). As a result of the introduction of European diseases, Tekakwitha's entire family was killed by smallpox, making her an orphan at just 4 years old and leaving her to be raised by her anti-Christian uncle.

When Kateri was 11, she was deeply moved by the lives and works of three visiting Jesuits and as a result she began living a life inspired by the example of these men, working alongside them in caring for the sick and wounded. She was baptised at 20 taking the name Kateri in honour of St Catherine, and as a result was subsequently harassed, stoned and threatened with torture by her village, leading her to flee to a christian Indian mission. There she came to be known as the “Lily of the Mohawks” in recognition of her kindness, prayer, faith, and heroic suffering.

On August 17, 1680, Kateri died at only 24 years old with her entire community around her. Witnesses of her death say that within minutes of her passing her smallpox scars disappeared, and her skin became radiant. They interpreted this as a miracle and a sign that Kateri was a saint, and built a chapel in her honor. Kateri Tekakwitha was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, making her the first Native American Indian to be made a Saint.

Fun fact: The name Tekakwitha literally translates to “she who bumps into things” (I feel ya sista)

Feast day: July 14th
Patron of the environment and ecology