VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI formally recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha on Dec. 19, clearing the way for her to be canonized.
Known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” Blessed Kateri was born in 1656 in upstate New York. Her father was a Mohawk chief and her mother was an Algonquin who was raised Catholic.
A smallpox epidemic killed both of her parents and left her with poor eyesight and a badly disfigured face at a young age.
Despite objections from her relatives, she was baptized at age 20, after meeting several Catholic priests. An outcast from her community, Kateri lived a life of deep prayer, with a strong devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
She died in 1680 at the age of 24. Witnesses said that the scars on her face disappeared after her death.
Kateri was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980, the first Native American to be declared blessed.
Pope Benedict formally recognized the decree for canonization of Blessed Marianne Cope too.
Benjamin Wiker: Benedict XVI: Doctor of the Church
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Thanks be to God. I have another adopted Patron!
New York state has two new saints: Mother Marianne and Kateri. So wonderful.
With tongue in cheek, we in Canada don’t mind sharing Kateri, seeing as she died just outside of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. But sainthood does go across borders, does it not? I am sure that Kateri won’t mind who claims her, as she is praying for all of us.
I’ve been praying for Kateri’s canonization for years. I’m really surprised it took so long.
I pray to Kateri daily.
I’ll look to see if I can find what the miracle was. I wonder when a date will be set for her official canonization.
Thank you, God.
Ojectively speaking, I’d like a bit more information than “Witnesses said that the scars on her face disappeared after her death.” How are we today able to verify this?
Oh yes Lawrence, I almost forgot, we share her with Canada. Her shrine in NY state is maybe 30 minutes from my home. I have visited the Canadian shrine too and they are both so wonderful.
Elaine and Lawrence, I share in your joy regarding both Mother Marianne Cope and Kateri Tekakwitha!
I’m from Utica, NY, where Mother Marianne, as Barbara Cope (I will now have a new name Saint-woo hoo!), she lived from age 2 to 24, when she entered the convent in Syracuse. Her parish still exists, and we have shrines to her both outside and inside the church. Our parish center (formerly the school) is dedicated to her honor, as well as the recently established soup kitchen.
And I’m only an hour’s drive away from Auriesville, where Kateri was born, as well as Fonda, where she was baptized. I’ve gone to Auriesville many times. And I’m sure that both shrines will be jumping for joy when the canonization date is announced!
Yes, New York State is DOUBLY BLESSED with the additions of Mother Marianne and Kateri to its roll of Saints! And boy, do we need their help and their prayers!
I have been a member of the KateriTekakwitha since 1981 and it had signifacant effects on my spiritual needs. I have gone through many significant hardships with my health anf family members. My youngest granddaughter was diagnosis with a speech disorder and the family was told that she never would talk only make some noises. Our family turned the condition over to Kateri and we prayed to her for strength and acceptance. We went to the comference in Spokane and asked for prayers and blessings from the healers. In September my granddaughter’s first word was apple and words kept coming out of her voice. Our family has never given up on Kateri becoming a Saint. Truth is in the Spirit.
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