Kateri Tekakwitha
Native American saint and missionary
Born
1656
369 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1680
345 years ago — 24 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in 1656, a Mohawk woman lived in what is now New York. Raised in the traditional beliefs of her tribe, she converted to Christianity in her teenage years, primarily influenced by Jesuit missionaries. Faced with opposition from her community, she sought safety and acceptance among the Christian community in Canada. Known for deep devotion to her faith and dedication to a life of prayer, she became a symbol of holiness for Native Americans. She is venerated as the first Native American saint by the Catholic Church.
Canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012
Established a mission in Quebec for Native Americans
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