St. Kateri's Shrine Is As Unique As The Saint Herself
Every saint has an incredible story, but St. Kateri's may be one of my favorites!
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, known affectionately as the "Lily of the Mohawks," was born in 1656 in what is now New York State. Like many saints, tragedy struck early in her life when a smallpox epidemic took her parents - a Mohawk warrior and an Algonquin-Christian mother - and left her scarred and visually impaired.
Raised by her uncle, a Mohawk chief, Kateri was introduced to Christianity by Jesuit missionaries. Despite facing opposition and persecution from her tribe, she converted to Catholicism at the age of nineteen. Her deep faith, commitment to prayer, and dedication to a life of chastity were hallmarks of her short but impactful life.
Kateri's sanctity was evident in her compassion for the sick and devotion to the Eucharist. She passed away at the young age of 24, and witnesses reported that her scars vanished after her death, leaving her face remarkably beautiful. St. Kateri was canonized in 2012, becoming the first Native American saint.
St. Kateri is more than deserving of her own shrine, which is precisely why today's article is highlighting the Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site in Fonda, New York:
Billed as a "sacred place of peace and healing; a site of history and holiness," the St. Kateri Shrine is located right around where St. Kateri was baptized and lived most of her life.
Established in 1938, the Shrine "promotes healing, encourages environmental stewardship, and facilitates peace for all people by offering the natural, cultural, and spiritual resources at this sacred site" via its programs and the grounds themselves.
How does the National Shrine complete its mission? It is through on-site places like the historic St. Peter's Chapel, Saint Maximilian Kolbe Pavilion, an outdoor pavilion, and a Candle Chapel.
Making the National Shrine even more unique is the Native American Museum and its fascinating exhibits of Native American culture and history.
If you visit during the warmer months, you can even venture outside to stroll and pray along one of the grounds' many scenic trails.
As we say with all shrines, remember to visit the St. Kateri gift shop.
Please note: Hours of operation and mass times depend on the season.
To learn more about the Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site - including current hours and upcoming events - please visit their website.