Lily of the Mohawks' Miracles Certified by Pope Benedict

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Kateri Statue, Quebec City

Native Brief:VATICAN CITY - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict, authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints certification of a second miracle through Kateri Tekakwitha's intercession. This removes the last hurdle, increasing the likelihood that “the Lily of the Mohawks” will be canonized as the first Native American Saint.

Born in 1656, she was the daughter of Kenneronkwa, a Mohawk chief, and Tagaskouita, an Algonquian and baptized Catholic. Blessed Kateri was born in the Mohawk fortress of Ossernenon near present-day Auriesville, New York. She is the first Native American to be so honored, and holds a special place of devotion among many Native Americans and the people of Quebec City.

Saints, the role models of the Catholic Church, are a very select number of people of heroic virtues. Kateri Tekakwitha, who's short life ended at age 24 in 1680, began the process of sainthood in 1884. She was declared venerable by Pope Pius XII in 1943. In 1980, Pope John Paul II beautified her.

Kateri's feast day in the United States is celebrated on July 14.

posted December 20, 2011 8:40 am est