In Kateri’s tribe, Catholicism was tolerated but not much liked. Those who received baptism from the missionary Jesuits were considered the lowest of the low and given the hardest work.
Despite Kateri’s immediate relation to the chieftain, she too was treated as a type of tribe slave after she embraced the Faith. One of her trials consisted of no food on Sundays, since she refused to work on that day. Her sweet acceptance of this treatment probably baffled everyone, but a greater shock was coming.
Even before her baptism, Kateri had confused everyone by refusing marriage—even an advantageous marriage to a young brave. A woman had to marry in order to survive without working herself to death.
Then Kateri made it known that she would never marry—that she had, in fact, consecrated herself to God forever as a virgin.
“I have consecrated myself entirely to Jesus, son of Mary,” she said. “I have chosen Him for husband and He alone will take me for wife.”
A portrait of Kateri by a priest who knew her
Kateri willingly took on the hard work of her unmarried state. To her, it was a source of joy and a chance to tell her Spouse just how much she loved Him. Perhaps, when her family saw her radiant face every time she received the Eucharist, they began to understand why she gave up everything to be Jesus’ bride.
Kateri is one of a whole host of imitation-worthy saints. Cultivate the desire to emulate these great saints in your children—and yourself!—through the daily use of our charming Junior Saint To-Do List Notepad. This fun notepad will remind you that St. Kateri and the saints are always ready to help you accomplish your daily tasks—spiritual or physical! Available today at The Catholic Company!
