Kateri Tekakwitha

Native American saint and missionary

Kateri Tekakwitha - Activists & Humanitarians born 1656
Born

1656
370 years ago

Died
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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