St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Kateri Tekakwitha, the 'Lily of the Mohawks' was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and a Roman Catholic mother. Kateri (baptized Catherine) Tekakwitha (1656-1680) forms a unique bridge between the Native American community and the Church. She is the first Native American to be proposed for sainthood. Kateri was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and canonized in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. St. Kateri Tekakwitha retained her faith and love for Christ in the face of overwhelming hostility and debilitating illnesses. She was known for her life of virtue and is a powerful role model for converts to the Church, young people striving for chastity, and anyone looking to deepen their own prayer life. She is also a shining example that God's call to holiness is truly universal and is heard by men and women in all walks of life and all ages. She was also known as a miracle worker. She died when she was only 24 years old. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is the patron of environmentalists and orphans. Her feast day is July 14.