Painting by me. You can see my artwork and commission me here.
We turn to her in connection with the environment, nature. and care of creation. but you don’t often hear many details about Kateri-Tekakwitha’s heroic love of Jesus. She grew up as the daughter of the Mohawk chief, learning about God first from her mother, who was an Algonquin Christian. At age 4, she lost her parents to smallpox, and went into the care of her uncle who rose as the new chief. He despised her growing faith, and for many years fear of him prevented Tekakwitha from seeking baptism. But finally, at age 19, she found her courage: she refused a compulsory marriage, sought catechetical instruction from Jesuit missionaries, and was baptized on Easter 1676, taking the baptismal name Kateri after St. Catherine of Siena.
Her uncle grew so hostile that he began treating her as a slave and denied her food on Sundays because she observed Sundays as days of worship and rest. Eventually her life became so difficult that Kateri-Tekakwitha left her village and walked 200 miles to join a community of other Native American Christians.
Painting by me. You can see my artwork and commission me here.
St Kateri-Tekakwitha pursued a relationship with Jesus despite severe obstacles and very good 'excuses' not to, because she wanted more... more love, more joy, more fulfillment. Her perseverant heart found its fulfillment in Jesus: ‘Jesos konoronhkwa!’
As a Christian, Kateri-Tekakwitha retained her Native perspective; she often incorporated Mohawk and Iroquois spiritual practices in her life of prayer and sacrifice. Like many Native people, she saw creation as precious and sacred. This view was enriched by her growing understanding that creation was also a gift from a God who loved her.
She died at age 24, known for her holiness as the “Lily of the Mohawks.” Her feast is July 14.
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