1656–1680
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, 1656–1680
Feast Day: July 14
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha’s father was a Mohawk warrior. Her mother was an Algonquian woman who was Christian. Kateri is the first Native American to become a Saint. She learned about Jesus from Jesuit missionaries. Because she lived so close to nature and found God in the natural world, she is the patron of ecology, nature, and the environment. Kateri often spent time praying in the woods. She would talk to God. She would hear him in her heart and through the wonders of creation. One of her titles is the “Lily of the Mohawks.”
Discuss: What in nature reminds you of God?
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha’s father was a Mohawk warrior. Her mother was an Algonquian woman who was Christian. Kateri is the first Native American to be considered for sainthood. She learned about Jesus from Jesuit missionaries. Because she lived so close to nature and found God in the natural world, she is the patron of ecology, nature, and the environment. Kateri often spent time praying in the woods. She would talk to God. She would hear him in her heart and through the wonders of creation. One of her titles is the “Lily of the Mohawks.”
Kateri is the patron Saint of Native Americans, ecology, nature and the environment, and for those who have lost their parents. After her Baptism, she was given the name Kateri for Saint Catherine of Siena, by a Jesuit priest. Her family died in a smallpox epidemic and she was left with scars and poor eyesight. She often wore a blanket over her head to protect her eyes from the sun.
Activity
Leaf Rubbing
Multiple Intelligence: Naturalist
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha found God in nature. Use the following activity to help the child appreciate the intricacy and variety found in nature.