July 14

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin

Memorial

Blessed Kateri (1656-1680) was an Indian virgin of the Mohawk tribe. Orphaned at a young age from small pox, Blessed Kateri was raised by her village. Scarring from her own battle with the disease steered her away from marriage and into a life of sanctity and virtue. When Jesuit missionaries came to the region, what is today northern New York, Blessed Kateri asked to be baptized. Many of her people in the Turtle clan were unable to accept this and she was forced to retreat to the town of Caughnawaga, north on the St. Lawrence River. Many have recognized her shining example, including John Paul II who beatified her in 1980. Endearments for her include “Lily of the Mohawks” and “Genevieve of New France.” [1]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
[1] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.”