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Born
St. Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656, in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon. Her mother was Algonquin married to a Mohawk chief after she was captured by them. -
Early Years
Kateri contracted small pox at age 4 and her whole family died in the out break. The disease left her scared and humiliated, often covering her face with a blanket.
When Kateri grew up she refused to marry. Her adoptive family brought her suitors and when they were denied Kateri was punished with work. Kateri was a skilled and patient worker. When Kateri remained quite and dilligent, her family soon realized they she was not going to give in. Eventually they accepted she wasn't going to marry. -
Introduction to Catholicism
When Kateri was 11 she was introduced to Jesuit missionaries after the french invaded and destroyed their village. He uncle opposed any contact due to the possibility of conversion. After a war in 1669, Kateria joined other girls to help Priest Jean Pierron tend to the wounded and bury the dead. -
Early adult years
When Kateri was 19 she converted to Catholicism and vowed Chasity and commitment to Jesus. This decision was not approved by her adoptive parents and community. The disapporval caused her to move to a christian native community soon after. -
Adult life
Kateri would sever the community she lived in making sacrifices. Kateri practiced a tradition common in the Mohawk tribe of self-mortification. She would fast, sleep on thorns, taint her own food, and once even burned herself. These acts took a toll on her heath. -
Death
5 years after converting to catholisim, Kateri died on April 17th 1680. The self Mortification was said to lead to her death. -
Canonization.
Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. She was the first Native American recognized as a saint. She is the patroness of ecology and environment, Native Americans and People in exile.
