Kateri Tekakwitha

1656-1680 17th century Feast day: July 14

Stubbornly seeking what pleases God when everyone around opposes it.

Who was Kateri Tekakwitha?

Daughter of a Mohawk chief and an Algonquin Christian, orphaned at four, scarred by the smallpox that pitted her face and damaged her eyes, she converted at twenty despite the hostility around her. Taking refuge at the Sault-Saint-Louis mission near Montreal, she led a life of intense prayer there and died at twenty-four. The Jesuits who knew her wrote down her words.

In their own words

Who will teach me what is most pleasing to God, so that I may do it?

Reported by Fr. Pierre Cholenec, S.J.

I want no other spouse than Jesus Christ.

Reported by Fr. Pierre Cholenec, S.J.

Jesus, I love you.

Last words, reported by Fr. Cholenec