Ethan Walker
Native American Catholic women have historically been both impeded and shaped by their dual identities as women and Catholics. While most of these women have gone unremembered, one notable figure is Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American woman of North America to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Kateri, also known as the Lily of the Mohawks, was born in 1656 in a Mohawk village in present-day New York. She contracted smallpox in an epidemic, losing her family and scarring her face. At the age of 19, she converted to Catholicism, taking a vow of perpetual virginity and moving to a Jesuit mission village near Montreal. She is known as the patron saint of people in exile, ecology, the environment, and Native Americans. While Kateri is revered by many, her story is also tied to the complex history of colonization and the destruction of indigenous culture and religion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Kateri Tekakwitha |
| Nicknames | Kateri, Blessed Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks |
| Birth year | 1656 |
| Birthplace | Mohawk village of Ossernenon, present-day New York |
| Parents | Christian Algonquin mother and Mohawk chief father |
| Notable events | Survived smallpox epidemic at age 4, converted to Catholicism at age 19, took a vow of perpetual virginity |
| Death | Died at age 24 on April 17, 1680 |
| Canonization | First Native American woman of North America to be canonized by the Catholic Church on October 21, 2012 |
| Feast day | April 17 on the liturgical calendar |
| Shrines | Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine in Fonda, New York; National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, New York; Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.; The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River, Michigan |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Despite her uncle's views, at the age of 11, Tekakwitha was deeply moved by the lives and words of three visiting Jesuits, who were likely the first white Christians she had ever encountered. This encounter inspired her to lead a devout Christian life. At the age of 19, she converted to Catholicism, taking a vow of chastity and pledging to marry only Jesus Christ. Her decision was unpopular with her adoptive parents and neighbours, who accused her of sorcery. To escape persecution, she travelled 200 miles to the Christian Indian village of St. Francis Xavier at Sault Saint Louis, near Montreal.
At the village, she was known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" in recognition of her kindness, prayer, faith, and heroic suffering. She was also noted for her self-mortification practices, which included sleeping on a bed of thorns and burning herself—such practices were common among the Mohawk people. Tekakwitha was also very diligent and patient, known for her skilled work. She refused to marry, even when her adoptive parents proposed a suitor to her.
Tekakwitha's life and devotion to Christianity were documented by the Jesuit missionaries who served her community. These accounts contributed significantly to her canonization process, which opened in 1932. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and later recognised as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in December 2011. This recognition came after evaluating the testimony of a young boy who claimed that his infection with flesh-eating bacteria disappeared after he prayed for her intercession. She was canonised in October 2012 and is the first Native American woman of North America to receive this honour.
The Power of Chanting Psalms in Eastern Catholic Tradition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Native American Herbalist’s Bible: [9 books in 1] Discover Powerful Ancient Natural Remedies and Healing Herbs. Learn to Use Medicinal Plants to Improve Health and Wellness for You and Your Family](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tcgrlB1+L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The first Native American saint
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as the "Lily of the Mohawks", was the first Native American woman of North America to be canonized by the Catholic Church. She was born in 1656 in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, in what is now New York. Her mother was an Algonquin who was captured by the Mohawks and took a Mohawk chief for her husband. At the age of four, Tekakwitha contracted smallpox in an epidemic that killed her family and left scars on her face. She was subsequently raised by her uncle, a Mohawk clan chief.
Tekakwitha was baptised at the age of 19, on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1676, and was given the name Catherine (or Kateri, in Mohawk). She converted to Catholicism and took a vow of chastity, pledging to marry only Jesus Christ. Her decision was unpopular with her adoptive parents and neighbours, some of whom accused her of sorcery. To avoid persecution, she fled her home and travelled 200 miles to the Christian Indian mission of St. Francis Xavier in Sault Saint-Louis, a community of other Native Americans who had also converted.
Tekakwitha was known for her devout religious practices, which included fasting, self-flagellation, and sleeping on a bed of thorns while praying for her relatives' conversion and forgiveness. Such practices of self-mortification were common among the Mohawk and other Haudenosaunee nations, but they may have contributed to her poor health. She died in 1680 at the age of 24.
On October 21, 2012, Tekakwitha was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peter's Basilica. She is the patron saint of people in exile, ecology, the environment, and Native Americans. She is honoured at several shrines across the United States, including the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine in Fonda, New York, and the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, New York.
Mormon and Catholic: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The canonization process
The process of documenting the life and virtues of a candidate cannot begin until five years after their death. This waiting period ensures that the person has an enduring reputation for sanctity among the faithful. After the five years have concluded, the Bishop of the diocese in which the individual died can petition the Holy See to allow the initialization of a Cause for Beatification and Canonization. If there is no objection, the permission, or nihil obstat, is communicated to the initiating Bishop.
In official Church procedures, there are three steps to sainthood: Venerable, Blessed, and Saint. Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived a heroically virtuous life. To be beatified and recognized as Blessed, one miracle is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue. Beatification occurs after a diocese or eparchy and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has conducted a rigorous investigation into the person's life and writings to determine whether they demonstrate a heroic level of virtue. Blesseds may receive public veneration at the local or regional level, usually restricted to those dioceses or religious institutes closely associated with the person's life.
Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification. The alleged miracle is studied by scientific and theological commissions in the diocese in which it is alleged to have occurred. After the diocesan process is concluded, the proposed miracle is studied by a scientific and then a theological commission of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. The vote of this commission is forwarded to the episcopal members of the Congregation, whose affirmative vote is communicated to the Pope. The consent of the Pope results in a Decree of a Miracle, and canonization is now possible. By canonization, the Pope declares that the person is with God and is an example of following Christ, worthy of imitation by the faithful.
Why Catholics Bow Their Heads During Consecration
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her legacy and impact
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as the "Lily of the Mohawks", is the first Native American to be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She was canonized on October 21, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI. Her legacy and impact are significant, especially for Native American Catholics.
Kateri Tekakwitha's life and devotion to Christianity have inspired many and left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and Native American communities. She was born in 1656 in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, in what is now New York State. Tekakwitha lost her parents and was scarred by smallpox during an epidemic when she was four years old. Despite her tragic past and the challenges she faced, she chose to dedicate her life to Christ and became a symbol of unity and bridge-building between different cultures.
Kateri Tekakwitha's decision to convert to Catholicism at the age of 19 was not without consequences. She faced opposition from her own people and had to flee to a Christian native community near Montreal to avoid persecution. Her steadfast devotion to her faith and the practices of self-mortification she undertook to deny herself bodily comforts are well-known. Her story became a source of inspiration for many, with over 300 books published in more than 20 languages focusing on her life and her status as a saint.
The process of Tekakwitha's canonization was initiated by United States Catholics in 1885, followed by Canadian Catholics, demonstrating her widespread influence. Her impact is also evident in the numerous shrines dedicated to her, including four national shrines in the United States. The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods, an open-air sanctuary in Indian River, Michigan, was inspired by her habit of placing small wooden crosses throughout the woods.
The debate surrounding Tekakwitha's canonization highlights the complex relationship between Catholicism and Native American cultures. While some Native Americans view her as a symbol of the painful legacy of colonization and missionary activities, others see her as a unifying figure who bridged the gap between their indigenous spirituality and the Catholic Church. Kateri Tekakwitha's legacy continues to shape the dialogue between these religious and cultural traditions, with leaders like Father Maurice Henry Sands emphasizing that there need not be a conflict between native ancestry and Catholicism.
Catholic Marriage in LA: Steps to Take
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Native American Catholics today
Native American Catholics make up approximately 20% of the Native American population in the United States, which equates to around 200,000 people. There are over 340 parishes in the country that serve predominantly Native American congregations, intertwining their rich native traditions with liturgical worship.
The Native American Catholic community has historically felt marginalised within the Church. However, the canonisation of Kateri Tekakwitha in 2012 was a significant moment for Native American Catholics. Kateri, also known as the "Lily of the Mohawks", was born in 1656 in a Mohawk village and converted to Catholicism at the age of 19. She is the first Native American woman of North America to be recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church. Her story is a source of pride and inspiration for many Native American Catholics, and she is featured in several national shrines across the United States.
The Catholic Church has made efforts to support Native American Catholics and their unique cultural and spiritual traditions. The Catholic Extension Society, for example, has provided financial and ministerial support to Native American communities for decades, including ministry in 40 Native American reservations and communities across the country.
However, there are ongoing debates within the Native American Catholic community about the integration of indigenous practices and rituals with Catholic liturgy. Some believe that blending Native American symbolism and rituals with Christian practices can be a powerful way to worship God. Others argue that clear distinctions must be made to avoid blasphemy and maintain the integrity of both traditions.
Despite these debates, Native American Catholics continue to play an important role in the religious landscape of the United States, with their unique perspectives and contributions adding to the diversity and richness of the Catholic Church in the country.
Judas' Fate: Catholic Views on Betrayer's Salvation
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as the "Lily of the Mohawks", was the first Native American Catholic saint. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012.
Kateri Tekakwitha's canonization was controversial. For many Native Americans, she represents the pain of colonization and missionary activities that destroyed indigenous culture and religion. However, she is also respected among Catholic and traditionalist Mohawk alike.
Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656 in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, in what is now New York State. She contracted smallpox in an epidemic, losing her parents and being left with scars on her face. She converted to Catholicism at age 19 and took a vow of perpetual virginity.
Kateri Tekakwitha is still revered by many Native American Catholics today. She is featured in four national shrines in the United States and a convent for Native American nuns was opened in Mexico fifty years after her death.
