First ever North American Aboriginal named as saint
Posted Oct 21, 2012 9:59 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
An American-born Mohawk woman who settling in Quebec is among the seven new saints named Sunday morning by Pope Benedict.
Kateri Tekakwitha, who died in 1680, is the first ever North American Aboriginal to be named as a saint.
Associated Press reporter Trisha Thomas reports many Native Americans have come to the Vatican for Sunday’s canonization ceremony.
“There’s a huge crowd of Native Americans here, especially from Canada, I saw about fifty of them in traditional dress dancing and playing drums, a lot of excitement over getting their first saint,” Thomas said.
Although Tekakwitha was born in New York State she eventually fled to Quebec to escape opposition to her Christianity.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement applauding the recognition.
“Today in Vatican City, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was declared a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI, making her North America’s first Aboriginal Saint.”
“Saint Kateri, also known as ‘Lily of the Mohawks’, – was bestowed the highest honour of the Catholic Church in recognition of her remarkable virtue and determination, and her unwavering devotion to God.”
She is credited with saving lives, including that of a Native American child who was ravaged by a flesh-eating disease six years ago.
