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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is shown as a haloed child in a woodland, holding white lilies and a wooden cross beside a stream and forest animals.

Sacred Art & Devotion

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha as a Child

A tender child portrait of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, haloed in a sunlit woodland with lilies, a wooden cross, and gentle creatures surrounding a quiet stream.

From the Children's Collection collection

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Devotional Reflection

About This Sacred Artwork

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is portrayed here with the gentleness of childhood, standing in a golden woodland beside a flowing stream. A luminous halo encircles her bowed head as she holds white lilies in one hand and a wooden cross close to her heart. Around her, birds, butterflies, a rabbit, a deer, and small forest creatures gather among wildflowers and leaves. The scene reflects the purity, humility, and love for creation long associated with Saint Kateri, known tenderly as the Lily of the Mohawks. With its storybook warmth and prayerful stillness, this artwork invites children and families to contemplate holiness as something quiet, brave, and deeply rooted in love for Christ.

Feast Day

July 14

Sacred Tradition

History & Devotion

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is venerated by Catholics as the first Indigenous North American saint canonized by the Church. Born in the seventeenth century among the Mohawk people, she came to Christian faith as a young woman and became known for her prayer, chastity, humility, and devotion to Christ. Her traditional title, the Lily of the Mohawks, reflects the Church’s memory of her purity and steadfast love. In the United States, her memorial is celebrated on July 14. She is often invoked in connection with Indigenous peoples, ecology, and care for creation, making woodland imagery especially fitting when it is handled with reverence and restraint.

A Life of Faith

The Saint’s Story

Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656 in what is now New York State. After losing her parents as a child and bearing the marks of illness, she grew up amid hardship, yet her heart was drawn toward Christ. Baptized as a young woman, she chose a life of prayer and fidelity even when discipleship came at great personal cost. She later lived near the mission of Saint Francis Xavier at Kahnawake, where her devotion deepened through prayer, penance, and charity. Kateri died in 1680 at only twenty-four years old. The Church remembers her as a witness that holiness can flourish in hidden places, through courage, purity, and quiet love.

For Prayer

Prayer to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks, pray for us. Help us to love Jesus with a pure and steadfast heart. Teach us to see creation as a gift from God, to walk humbly, and to remain faithful in hardship. Intercede for children, families, and all Indigenous peoples, that Christ may be honored in every life. Amen.
Original prayer

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