Kateri Tekakwitha: The First Aboriginal Woman Saint Who Died Beautiful Canadian

Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656 to a Mohawk father and an Algonquin mother. She was born in the village of Ossernenon, which is now Auriesville, New York. Her parents died when she was young, and she was raised by her uncle and aunt.

Kateri Tekakwitha - The First Aboriginal Woman Saint Who Died "Beautiful" | Canadian History for Kids | True Canadian Heroes - Indigenous People Of Canada Edition

by Professor Beaver

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Kateri was a devout Catholic. She was baptized at the age of 20 and became an outspoken advocate for her faith. She taught catechism to other Native Americans and helped to spread the Catholic faith among her people.

In 1680, Kateri died of tuberculosis. She was only 24 years old. She was buried in the Jesuit cemetery in Kahnawake, Quebec. In 1940, her remains were moved to the Mohawk Church in Auriesville, New York.

Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. She is the first Native American saint and the first Canadian saint. She is a role model for all Catholics, especially for Native Americans.

Early life

Kateri Tekakwitha was born on April 17, 1656, in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, which is now Auriesville, New York. Her father, Kenronkwe, was a Mohawk chief, and her mother, Kahenta, was an Algonquin woman. Kateri had two older sisters, and her parents had two other children who died in infancy.

Kateri's childhood was marked by tragedy. Her father died when she was four years old, and her mother died when she was eight. Kateri was raised by her uncle and aunt, who were also Mohawk.

Kateri was a sickly child. She suffered from smallpox, which left her with scars on her face. She also had tuberculosis, which would eventually kill her.

Despite her illness, Kateri was a happy and lively child. She loved to play with her friends and to learn about her culture. She was also a devout Catholic, and she prayed often.

Conversion to Catholicism

In 1676, Kateri met the Jesuit missionaries Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet. She was impressed by their faith and by their message of salvation. Kateri asked the missionaries to teach her more about Catholicism, and she was soon baptized.

Kateri's conversion to Catholicism was not easy. Her family and friends were not happy with her decision, and they tried to pressure her to renounce her new faith. Kateri refused, and she eventually became an outspoken advocate for Catholicism.

Kateri taught catechism to other Native Americans and helped to spread the Catholic faith among her people. She also worked to improve the lives of her community members. She helped to care for the sick and the needy, and she taught the children how to read and write.

Death and canonization

Kateri Tekakwitha died of tuberculosis on April 17, 1680, at the age of 24. She was buried in the Jesuit cemetery in Kahnawake, Quebec.

Kateri's death was a great loss to the Catholic community. She was a role model for all Catholics, especially for Native Americans. She was also a symbol of the hope that all people can find salvation through Jesus Christ.

In 1940, Kateri's remains were moved to the Mohawk Church in Auriesville, New York. In 1980, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II. In 2012, she was canonized a saint by Pope Benedict XVI.

Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American saint and the first Canadian saint. She is a role model for all Catholics, especially for Native Americans. She is a symbol of the hope that all people can find salvation through Jesus Christ.

Kateri Tekakwitha - The First Aboriginal Woman Saint Who Died "Beautiful" | Canadian History for Kids | True Canadian Heroes - Indigenous People Of Canada Edition

by Professor Beaver

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38629 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	72 pages

FREE