The Lily of the Mohawks

Today Holy Mother Church honors Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the daughter of a warrior Mohawk.


She was born in 1656 in what is now New York and was orphaned as a young girl as the result of an epidemic of smallbox. Before she died, her mother taught her the Christian faith and many prayers, as well. This faith remained with Kateri until her death in 1680 at the age of 24. Her last words: "Jesus, I love you."


Kateri was deeply devoted to the Eucharist and to the Crucified Lord. Her life of simple piety and service won her the title, "Lily of the Mohawks."


As she walked through the woods, she would often fashion small crosses from sticks and twigs and leave them behind her.


I wonder, if others followed the paths upon which we walk each day, what would they find left behind? Do we leave behind markers that point to ourselves, or to Christ? Let us ask Kateri to teach us how to leave behind markers of the cross of our Lord.