Who was Saint Kateri Tekakwitha?

A Mohawk-Algonquin virgin of the 17th century, baptized in honor of Saint Catherine of Siena. Canonized in 2012, she is the first indigenous saint of North America.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Feast day: July 14

Mohawk virgin, first indigenous saint of North America — feast on July 14.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, first indigenous saint of North America

Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656, daughter of a Christian Algonquin mother and a Mohawk chief, in the New York region.

Orphaned early, she survived smallpox and lived with deep devotion, being baptized in 1676 with the name Catherine.

She consecrated herself to virginity and charity, uniting Christian faith with the sensitivity of her people.

She died in 1680 at only 24 years of age in Kahnawake, Canada. Canonized by Benedict XVI in 2012.

Her liturgical feast is July 14. She is invoked for purity, conversions, and respect for cultures in the Church.

Dedicated prayer

To the Mohawk virgin, first indigenous saint of North America, we ask purity, courage in faith, and respect for cultures.

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